Dads and Grads Love Chocolate!

Posted on June 6, 2013 by Suzi

Fathers Day Gifts and Graduation Party FavorsJune is the time when Dads and Grads rule. It’s a busy month with so many things to celebrate with Fathers Day and all of the graduations from eighth grade through college. As much as everyone thinks only moms like chocolate – guess again!  We are finding how much Dads enjoy a little sweetness too!  And even though Grads can use the money, think about adding something sweet for them to enjoy as well. If you are planning a party for Fathers Day or are the proud parent of a graduate look no further for great ideas when it comes to gifts and party favors. Here are some of our customers’ favorite party accessories and gifts in chocolate!graduation party favors

1) For the Dad who has everything think chocolate covered anything!  From fruit to pretzels, marshmallows, nuts and even cookies, Dads love the rich taste of their favorite snacks covered in chocolate. We can create custom platters, baskets or boxes and can even ship them to your Dad if he’s out of the area.

2) Graduations happen from mid May through late June and parties are planned all summer long. Whether you are planning a backyard BBQ or a more formal event at home, restaurant or catering hall, including delicious chocolates as part of the dessert options is a definite crowd pleaser. Platters of hand-dipped fruits and pretzels can add pizzazz to the dessert menu.

3) It is always nice to send your guests home with a reminder of your party.  Chocolate lollipop favors are just the right size to take home and will give your guests a delicious treat to look forward to later.  From diplomas and graduation hat shapes to pretzel rods with chocolate diplomas, chocolate favors are always a favorite.

4) Dad’s are into a lot of different hobbies.  Treat him to his favorite pastime in chocolate. We have chocolate molds for motorcycles, tools, sports equipment including fishing tackle. If all else fails a beautiful boxed tribute to “Dad” is a perfect gift!

Planning for summer parties, whether they be in celebration of Father’s Day, or to honor that hard-working graduate, there are many creative and delicious gift ideas for both, as well as a little something to give your guests that will make them all smile.  For more gift or party favor ideas, contact Suzi’s Sweet Shoppe today, or visit our website by clicking here.

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Go Ahead and Eat Chocolate

Posted on May 29, 2013 by Suzi

Dark chocolate for health benefitsWe wanted to share with our chocolate lovers some of the health benefits that scientists have been discovering related to chocolate.  Not only is chocolate delicious, according to recent reports it can also be good for you in many different ways.  This is great news for chocolate lovers who are looking to justify their love of chocolate with some health benefits.

1)   Dark chocolate contains flavonoids, which are antioxidants known as polyphenols, which has many benefits.  These antioxidants can help lower LDL cholesterol (bad stuff), lower blood pressure, increase blood flow, increase mood and improve cognitive performance, as well as provide healthy minerals such as calcium, magnesium and potassium.  What other reasons do you need to enjoy your chocolate?!

2)   Women love chocolate because it makes them feel good – it contains phenylethylamine, which is the same chemical released in the brain when we fall in love!  Eating chocolate provides this natural “high”, so it’s no wonder women love chocolate!

3)   Scientists claim that there are benefits for men who eat chocolate too.  The flavanols found in cocoa used to make chocolate provide an anti-clotting effect (this affects both sexes, but men in particular), which can help with heart attack and stroke by providing a beneficial effect on platelet function, particularly in men two hours after eating chocolate.

4)   The flavanol in chocolate has also been shown to have anti-cancer properties and can neutralize cancer-causing free radicals.

5)   Certain dark chocolates can actually help with weight loss!  They contain MUFA’s (mono unsaturated fatty acids), which help to speed up your metabolism and helps you to burn more fat.  In addition, dark chocolate has been known to help curb cravings for salty, sweet and fatty snacks.  Who knew?! These are all great reasons to add small amounts of chocolate to your diet every day.  Researchers have shown that dark chocolates with at least 60% chocolate solids are the best choice and of course, all things in moderation.

Tips for including more dark chocolate in your diet include opting for dark chocolate over milk or white, adding cocoa powder to your favorite recipes (it mixes well with Mexican dishes), dipping your favorite fruit in chocolate for a tasty, wholesome snack, make s’mores with dark chocolate instead of milk, choose a small piece of dark chocolate for dessert instead of your usual, and add a generous dash of cocoa to your hot chocolate.

And if you are still not sure of what to do, just stop by Suzi’s Sweet Shoppe for all kinds of chocolate treats.  We have hand-dipped fruits and pretzels as well as great gift baskets and party favors.  Visit our website or contact us today.

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Memorial Day Is Around the Corner!

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Suzi

memorial day BBQ dessertIt’s almost here, the unofficial start of summer – Memorial Day!  It’s a time to remember those who have lost everything while protecting our freedom serving in our armed forces.  Originally, Memorial Day was known as Decoration Day and commemorated the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the Civil War.  During the 20th century Memorial Day was extended to honor all Americans who have died while serving in the military.

And with our observance of those that have given so much to our country and the many parades and celebrations throughout our towns, it also brings about the holiday BBQ weekend.  There’s nothing like a summer kick-off BBQ to bring family and friends together over this holiday weekend!  If you are hosting the festivities, remember, a BBQ is supposed to be fun and laid back and often times there’s no need for a fancy menu.  If you keep with the essentials of hot dogs, burgers, potato salad, and a few delicious appetizers you can even add your own delicious twist on these classics to blow your guests away.

But for dessert don’t forget to be playful and have fun with it, create something red, white and blue to keep with the theme of the weekend.  Aside from the normal cupcakes, fruit salads and ice cream, why not try something different for dessert – like chocolate!  Give your guests something truly delicious, like a platter of chocolate hand-dipped fruits and pretzels.  These can be made with any kind of chocolate and decorated in all types of red white and blue accents to set the tone for your Memorial Day BBQ.  In addition, if you are looking for something to send home with your guest, why not try some flag shaped chocolate lollipops to show your patriotism!

In addition to party platters and lollipops, Suzi’s Sweet Shoppe specialized in all types of party favors, custom candies and corporate gift baskets. We are now taking orders for Memorial Day party platters, so contact us today for all your party and BBQ needs!

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Party and Event Favors Made Easy

Posted on May 10, 2013 by Suzi

chocolate wedding and party favorsThere are a wide range of events and celebrations where it is fun and customary to give a gift to your guests to thank them for coming.  Trends in these gifts have varied throughout the years; however, one of the hottest types of party favors today happens to be chocolate favors.  There is nothing nicer than for a guest to be able to take something delicious home that will not only remind them of the fun they had at your event, but also provide a tasty snack for later.

From baby and wedding showers to Bar/Bat Mitzvahs and everything in between, there are many types of chocolate party favors that you can choose from, even for corporate events.  Here are a few of our favorites:

1)            Lollipops – these make great take-home gifts for all ages and can be made for the occasion in different shapes and colors.  Chocolate lollipops can also be coated with nuts and/or sprinkles and come individually wrapped for convenience.

2)            Custom candy bar wrappers – from corporate logos to baby birth announcements, custom candy bar wrappers are personalized for whatever your event may be.  All of the candy bars are homemade and can be made from any type of chocolate.

3)            3-D favors – religious symbols like crosses, or objects like baby booties can be made as a party favor out of any type of chocolate with a variety of colors.  We can wrap them in foil or place them in decorative bags for an elegant and sophisticated touch for any party.

4)            Box chocolates – from 2 piece truffles to a four-piece sampler box, these make beautiful wedding favors.  These are also great for corporate trade shows or meetings as well.

5)            Hand-dipped chocolates – if you are looking for the crème de la crème of favors, look no further!  Hand-dipped chocolates are all the rage now from fresh fruits to pretzels, or even cookies.  If you are looking to impress your guests these are the must-have party favor.

As you can see, there are so many options to make your party, event or corporate meeting over-the-top memorable, it may be hard to decide what to choose, so let the experts at Suzi’s Sweet Shoppe guide you as you make your decision.  Our experience with events and knowledge of chocolate trends can help you select the best favor, or should we say flavor for your outing!  For more information on ordering your party favors, contact us today, or view our website for some additional ideas.

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What is it About Gift Baskets?

Posted on April 29, 2013 by Suzi

Gift baskets come in all sizes, shapes and styles and can be filled with just about anything from wine and cheese to toys and baby items.  They are given by individuals and have even crossed over into the corporate world, when showing appreciation or saying thank you needs to be special.  But when did gift baskets get their start and how did we fall in love with this type of gift giving?  The art of gift basket design is something that many people dabble in, but few have mastered.  We would like to share how baskets have been used throughout the years and how they are still woven into our lives today.

There is a theory that the “gift baskets” of past days can be traced to the times when hunters and gatherers used baskets to collect fruits, berries and also to carry their hunt game and fish with.  They were woven baskets of whatever native materials were available to the native peoples and the organic bounty that was delivered back to the tribes were considered gifts.  Another popular belief dates gift baskets back to Biblical times when Moses was just a baby and was hidden in a basket along the river bank as well as being used in ancient Egyptian times.  In American, baskets were first made by the Native Americans and were used for trading for goods and in religious ceremonies.  Unfortunately, there are very few baskets that have been found by archaeologists because they are made of organic matter that does not withstand time and decay.  No matter the story, basket weaving is one of the oldest and widest spread crafts in the history of human civilization and the industry continues to thrive in modern times.

The use of baskets in today’s world are actually very similar to that of early man’s uses for baskets: to gather items, hold food and store goods.  Gift basket design and sales has grown in popularity over the years and is now a multi-million dollar industry and growing.  The reason for the popularity is simple:  gift baskets are flexible, personal and fun!  Gift baskets come in all sizes and shapes, can hold food and non-food items for any occasion and can be shipped just about anywhere.  Our top ten favorite reasons to send a gift basket include:

1)            Holiday gifts

2)            Baby showers

3)            Wedding favors

4)            Congratulations

5)            Corporate gift giving

6)            House warming

7)            Appreciation

8)           Birthdays

9)            Get well

10)        Sympathy

If you are thinking of sending a gift basket for any occasion, look no further than Suzi’s Sweet Shoppe.  We can customize a gift of candy and chocolates for any event or holiday.  We ship to nearly every state and can help you select the most appropriate items for your recipient.  We are now working toward becoming a certified gift basket designer and have dedicated much time and effort into honing our craft to ensure your satisfaction and that of your special someone receiving the basket.  For more information on gift baskets or our corporate gift giving programs please click here.

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Why Corporate Branding Works

Posted on March 27, 2013 by Suzi

Corporate Branding and Gift GivingFor many companies, large and small, corporate branding can present specific challenges and requires constant monitoring to ensure the correct and consistent message is being communicated to your audience.  A corporate brand can lend credibility and provide customers with a level of confidence that your company can and will deliver on it’s promises.  It provides for companies to measure the effectiveness of their sales and marketing efforts with increased business, which should be the end result of any corporate branding strategy.

For many companies, the competition for their customers is fierce.  In order to stand out and be successful with your brand image you need a thorough understanding of your customers, their expectations and your market.  Through research and customer surveys, many companies can obtain the necessary information and feedback to identify their specific customer, market niche and the expectations of those customers. They say “Knowledge Is Power”, which has never been a more true statement than in the case of your corporate brand strategy.  By identifying your unique selling proposition and providing your customers with the products and services they need in a way that is uniquely themed for your company with your logo and colors, you will be on the right path to achieve your sales and marketing goals through branding.

Attention and commitment of corporate leadership and management can sometimes be difficult for marketing executives within a company to achieve.  Many upper management and corporate leaders are more focused on the numbers and have little time to consider how corporate branding (or a lack of) can affect the bottom line.  The best way to combat these obstacles is to provide statistics and details including the numbers that prove the return on your investment (ROI) created by corporate branding.  There are many online resources to help marketing executives prove this ROI from marketing and branding, and one of our favorites is a Blog from Hubspot about what NOT to do when communicating your results to your CEO, click here to read the article.

A corporate branding strategy requires careful planning and execution. Once you know who your target audience is and what they are expecting you can tailor your branding around that customer.  Incorporating a variety of marketing strategies can help gain exposure across a wide platform including social media, blogs, public relations, white papers, and email marketing, tied in to more traditional forms of marketing like advertising, referral marketing, direct mail, events and customer retention strategies such as gift-giving are all excellent examples of results-oriented corporate branding.  When you combine this with a themed look for all of these platforms your audience will begin to remember your look and theme.

Creating a consistent message is critical to the overall success of your branding strategy.  You need to make sure you are communicating consistently across all platforms to drive your brand image.  Using your company logo and theme in all marketing materials from business cards to your website and any advertising or collateral materials including promotional and gift items is imperative to your overall brand image.  Monitoring how your brand is shared and discussed online is also a critical part of that and we recommend setting up an alert system that will email you whenever your brand is mentioned online.  There are many online resources to accomplish this.

Our favorite part of corporate branding, of course, is using gift giving as a tool to help create and promote your company brand with customers, employees and even vendors.  There are many appropriate times when providing a gift basket can be an effective tool for customer retention and even employee recruitment and retention. Giving out custom chocolate favors at a corporate event or trade show can help continue the branding effort while making a memorable statement that can set you apart from your competition.  From “Congratulations” to “I’m sorry” Suzi’s Sweet Shoppe can be integral to this part of your branding strategy.  We can customize your gifts with your company logo to keep your brand consistent.  Click here for more information on our corporate gift services.

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The Easter Bunny Is Coming To Town

Posted on March 16, 2013 by Suzi

Chocolate dipped peeps from Suzi's Sweet ShoppeSpringtime brings the gift of budding trees and crocus plants popping, which reminds us all that Easter is fast approaching.  Planning the traditional Easter feast for many families is the focus this time of year.   For many, it starts with Good Friday and culminates in the celebration of Easter Sunday.  There are many fun traditions that are shared, like the dying of Easter eggs, visits from the Easter bunny with baskets of chocolate and candy and of course, Easter egg hunts!  But how do these fun traditions tie into the Christian belief that Christ was crucified and resurrected?

The answer to that question is:  nothing!  According to a story we found on www.discovery.com, the legend of the Easter bunny and children dying eggs actually stems from Pagan roots, and can be traced back to the 13th century.  This pre- Christian era in Germany was a time when people worshipped several gods and goddesses.  It has more to do with the coming of Spring with eggs symbolizing the rebirth and fertility that comes with the season.  The association of eggs representing the resurrection of Jesus came much later in Germany as the Pagan beliefs merged with Christian beliefs.  This occurred in the 15th Century when Roman Catholicism became the dominant religion.

So what about the Easter Bunny?  Well, the first story of a rabbit laying eggs and hiding them in a garden was told in the 1600’s.  By the 1700’s these legends were brought to the United States, when German immigrants settled in Pennsylvania Dutch country.  And as they say, the rest is history!

In modern days eggs aren’t the rage, but chocolate bunnies and jellybeans represent all that is fun about this time of year.  Here are some fun facts about Easter candy:

  1. Over 90 million chocolate Easter bunnies are made each year!
  2. The first chocolate eggs were made in Europe in the early 19th century
  3. 16 billion jelly beans are made for Easter
  4. Each day, five million marshmallow chicks and bunnies are produced in preparation for Easter.
  5. Easter is the 2nd top-selling confectionery holiday behind Halloween
  6. 88% of adults carry on the Easter tradition of creating Easter baskets for their kids
  7. 76% of people eat the ears on chocolate bunnies first.
  8. According to the Guinness Book of World Records the largest Easter egg ever made was just over 25-ft high and was made of chocolate and marshmallow.

If you are part of the 88% continuing the tradition of the Easter basket filled with candy, look no further!  Suzi’s Sweet Shoppe has all of your Easter candy needs, from bunnies to chocolate dipped peeps and jellybeans.  We can even create custom Easter baskets!  Contact us today to place your order!

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The Price of Customer Service – In Chocolate!

Posted on February 13, 2013 by Suzi

Corporate Gift GivingThe competition in today’s market place is fierce, but one thing companies can do to separate themselves from the pack is to offer their customers unmatched service.  In a sea of companies all vying for the same customers, your company must be on their A-game when it comes to keeping its customers happy.  There are many things that can help you make sure that your customers keep coming back to you and we want to share our top ten customer service strategies and solutions so that you can make your company stand out from your competition.

1)   Never underestimate the value of recognizing your customers with a customer appreciation gift or party.  Inviting your customers to your office for a customer day event can solidify relationships that have already been forged, while showing new prospects how much you value your existing customers and making them feel welcome.  Make sure you have great party favors so you can give each customer a take-home gift.  Chocolate pops or even a chocolate bar with a custom made label with your corporate logo make memorable favors!

2)   Congratulating your customers by sending a personalized congratulations gift, like a box of homemade chocolates after a big project can show how much you appreciate their business, while recognizing their accomplishments.

3)   Anniversary gifts for customers who have been with you for a year or more are a nice way of showing that you remember when they became your customer.  They may not always remember, but when you do it means you are paying attention and after all, that’s what customer service is all about!

4)   Provide loyal customer reward programs for those repeat customers that continue to provide you with business.  You can reward them for multiple purchases or for referrals, or both!  You don’t have to be a huge company to offer rewards for client loyalty – give them a nice box of chocolates or hand-dipped strawberries when they reach a milestone. This will surely keep you customers engaged and coming back for more.

5)   Saying I’m sorry is never easy and for companies, it’s even harder because you work so hard to make sure everything goes perfect for your customers. But sometimes things can happen that are unplanned and there’s no better way to say I’m sorry than by delivering a beautiful gift of chocolate.  While it may not make up for the mistake that was made, it shows that you are recognizing the inconvenience to your customer and want to move in a positive direction going forward.

6)   Holiday greetings are an obvious time for sending good cheer to your customers, but it’s difficult to know what their corporate gift-giving policies are.  Many companies have strict gift-giving guides with regard to dollar amounts of gifts given.  So, with that in mind you can provide a wonderful gift of chocolate and candy that will not exceed corporate limits.  In addition, candy gifts can be sent to an entire office or an individual, which makes giving gifts to your customers easy, especially when there is more than one person you wish to give a gift.

7)   When you want to give your client a gift for whatever reason, a local business can offer easy solutions and do the work for you.  Most times, all they need is a budget and a list of customers you are giving the gift to.  Your gift giving solution can help make suggestions on picking out the appropriate type of gift for each customer.  Chocolate is universal and comes in so many varieties that you never have to worry about sending the wrong thing!

8)   Consider personalized options so that your corporate branding can be a part of the gift and your customer is reminded of who you are and what you do for them.  Custom chocolate molds with your logo can get the message out during trade shows or events and custom labels or tags can be printed with your contact information.  Customizing the gift and providing a personal note to your client makes the gift more effective and helps to solidify your corporate brand.

9)   Know the facts about your customers.  Keep a log on each customer and record things like birthdays, anniversaries, birth-announcements and promotions.  Be sure to use those occasions as reasons to recognize your customer with a gift.  Sending a basket of chocolate during a milestone in your customer’s life is a thoughtful, personal way of saying “you are more than just a customer to me”.

10)                   Be cautious of the value of the gift you are giving.  As mentioned earlier giving gifts to customers, particularly in a corporate environment can give pause to supervisors or higher-ups.  Never give gifts during a bidding process and always pay attention to timing and pricing.  Sometimes a gift with a smaller dollar amount, but an abundance of thought is more meaningful than one that is sent to impress.

When it comes to the price of customer service every company must determine the best way to show their customers appreciation at every opportunity they can.  An investment in corporate gifts, at the appropriate times, can make all the difference in retaining good customers.  Suzi’s Sweet Shoppe not only provides corporate gift services, but also customizes gifts and becomes a partner in your corporate branding.  Contact us today to find out how we can help you attain a higher level of customer service with our marketing programs.

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How Chocolate Helps Corporate Grow

Posted on January 23, 2013 by Suzi

Spreadsheets, financials, revenues, expenses, corporate forecasts, planning and budgets are all topics that many business owners, CEO’s and CFO’s think of when they are projecting corporate growth.  And these all make sense when a company is looking to increase sales and profitability.  But what if we told you that there is a major component missing from the equation?  Many high level executives and business owners don’t consider corporate branding and marketing during the planning of a company’s growth and expansion.  These are two vital pieces of the puzzle that need to be analyzed and considered as well.  So I bet you are wondering:  Where does the chocolate come in to the picture?

Chocolate can help the bottom line of any company when it comes to client and employee retention.  Goodwill and gift giving can be a major part of any company’s marketing plan and strategy.  Corporate gift baskets can be used for a variety of occasions and for all clients.  Everyone loves chocolate and what better way to congratulate your best clients on a successful new project than with a basket full of chocolate treats!  From Thank you gifts to birthday and anniversary wishes you can reward employees for a job well done, or even congratulate them on a new home purchase or new baby with a great gift basket filled with chocolate.    Goodwill and caring are underused marketing strategies and can be the best kept secret weapon to help keep clients happy and employees engaged.

Saying your sorry is never an easy task, but when a client has been disappointed and everything is on the line, you need to pull out all the stops and send something that says you really care.  Chocolate can provide the best apology ever and by the time your client has finished eating the last bite out of the gift basket you have sent, all will be forgiven!

Beyond the obvious gift giving, there are also a host of corporate items that can be custom made and with your company logo for branding and identity. These types of chocolate treats are great for tradeshows, giveaways and corporate meetings.  Holiday packages and baskets can incorporate your company logo as well and you can add personalized cards and have the packages shipped directly to your clients, no matter where in the United States they are.   So when you are planning for promotional items and want to stand out from your competition, consider ordering branded, custom chocolate handouts and you are sure to be remembered after the event.

In a sea of companies all vying for the same customers, it’s extremely important that you place yourself at the top of your customer’s lists.  There is no better way to do that than to have memorable marketing products that speak your brand image.  Suzi’s Sweet Shoppe can help with any corporate gift giving or giveaways you may need for your company.   Give us a call or visit our website today for more information on our homemade, hand-dipped chocolates and custom logo molds, candy wrappers and favors.

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Where Does Chocolate Come From?

Posted on January 15, 2013 by Suzi

Homemade chocolate from Suzi's Sweet ShoppeWhen many people think about chocolate there are a few areas in the world that may come to mind.  The biggest one would be Belgium, followed by Switzerland and even right here in the United States in Hershey, Pennsylvania.  Our favorite place where chocolate is made happens to be at Suzi’s Sweet Shoppe in Middletown, NJ!  These are all very good answers and probably the most popular, but we bet you didn’t know that Chicago, Illinois is a main hub for chocolate in America.  It is home to hundreds of chocolate companies and vendors and boasts the annual Chicago Chocolate Festival, also known as the Chicago Fine Chocolate Show, every year in October.

As surprising as it may seem, Chicago has an enormous amount of chocolatiers and is even home to a company that hosts visitors on chocolate tours.  The company, started five years ago, takes visitors on an exploration of shops in the Loop, Lakeview, the Magnificent Mile and the Gold Coast areas of Chicago.  The tour provides visitors with insight into the history of chocolate, how it was discovered by the Aztecs and traded as currency and facts about how to process the cacao beans into what we know as the sweet, delectable chocolate treats we eat today.   The tours focus on locally owned shops that deal only in quality ingredients.  It is a fun, educational trip through a city that is not widely known for its chocolate confections.

Another interesting chocolate event is the Chicago Fine Chocolate Show, which is taking place this year from October 18 – 20th.  The show is an affordable, family-friendly event that features live pastry demonstrations by the world famous French Pastry School, fun and interesting seminars created by the Fine Chocolate Industry Association and a pairings pavilion highlighting fine chocolate alongside crafted beer, wine and spirits.  There is also a presentation on the Story of Chocolate, which teaches the six steps for creating chocolate.  This show draws chocolatiers from around the country, many of whom will be providing samples for tasting and specialty items for purchase.

Many cities you may visit have surprises within them, but who would ever have thought Chicago would be such a hot spot for the chocolate making industry?  So, if you ever have plans to visit the Windy City, be sure to check out the Fine Chocolate show or take a tour of the local chocolate shops for a uniquely fun afternoon or evening.  To find great chocolate you don’t have to go all the way to Chicago, Switzerland or Pennsylvania!  Just stop in to Suzi’s Sweet Shoppe, right here in Middletown and enjoy a huge selection of hand dipped strawberries or pretzels, homemade fudge and a variety of chocolate treats.  Click here for more information.

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