Chocolate Crunch

Got your attention, huh? Oprah couldn’t resist the chocolate crunch of Solon’s Lisa Paige Blair’s Pretzable creations either. Pretzables, Sweets with a Twist, was featured in O Magazine on “The O List: A few things we think are just great.” What’s a Pretzable? It’s chocolate crunch, but it’s much more. Lisa Paige Blair, creator of the decadent delights and owner of the retail business based in Solon, describes it this way: “Each pretzel is crafted in the spirit of gourmet tradition. The end result is a decadently delicious and fun design that satisfies your chocolate cravings in one bite.” Chocolate AND crunch.

When Blair and her staff found out they had been selected for O Magazine, they created the O DOZEN,” an assortment of elegant hand-made chocolate pretzels--the Chocolate Pearl, the Chocolate Bow, and the White Bow. As part of the selection process, Pretzables sent O Magazine an assortment of pretzels in over 100 different flavors. Blair says that when she found out they were selected, “I almost fainted in front of my staff when they called Pretzables to tell us we were being considered. I could not breathe; I stood motionless as I spoke to an editor from O Magazine! It was surreal!!!! I had dreamed of this moment for years!!!”

Blair is known for her celebration of all things exuberant and embellished and she and her two daughters began Pretzables as a home business. They were still working from home when the Food Network selected the business from 3000 companies and taped the first Food Network show featuring Pretzables in 2003. The family home was equipped with a full service diner and an old time movie theater, which is where Pretzables were sold back then. The crew who taped the show predicted business would spike after the airing of the shows and suggested a move to a formal factory and destination retail. Pretzables moved, and Food Network was right about the increased business.

Quality, beauty, fun and creativity inspire the Pretzables workspace. “I try to remain true to my artistic instinct, culinary skills and a passionate eye for detail,” says Blair. Each ensemble of chocolate is a hand made one-of-a-kind lavish assortment of decadent chocolate delights including all six Pretzables flavors, chocolate covered Oreos™, Pretzables Popcorn Crunch, or Pretzabits on a ready-to-serve tray for easy entertaining and snacking and available in three sizes. The Singles and Mingles Party Trays are perfect for corporate office, school functions, and special celebrations. All Pretzables start with crunchy pretzels drenched in high-quality chocolate and drizzled and sprinkled in delicious and unique toppings. The result? Works of chocolaty, crunchy, edible art.

Can you get a tray of dog biscuits for your dog’s birthday? Of course! Previous original designs range from a camping-themed Bar Mitzvah centerpiece to an Ohio State scarlet and gray chocolate football field with pretzel goal posts created for Jim Tressel. Pretzables have made an appearance at the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, University Hospitals, Rainbow Babies & Children Hospital, and Cleveland’s 5-Star Chef Sensation benefit for the Cleveland Food Bank. Blair created a jeweled studded chocolate boot with matching shoe box for Italian shoe designer Brian Atwood, catered for the Royal Ballet of London, and created special pretzels for the opening of Thomas Rockwell’s movie “How to Eat Fried Worms.”

Chocolatier Lisa Blair Paige credits the culinary talents of her mother and grandmother for her inspiration. She gained experience and expertise learning with chefs from around the world and became a member of Julia Child’s Food and Wine Association. She has worked as a personal chef, owned a catering and event company, and co-owned a restaurant.

Order your own Pretzables creation on-line at www.pretzables.com or visit the store at 30700 Bainbridge Road, Solon, from 10-5 Monday through Friday. Call 440-349-3311 to make an appointment after hours.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Claudia Taller, whose passion for words has led to creation of the Lakeside Word Lover’s Retreats, an outgrowth of her work with Skyline Writers. Her favorite foods are red wine, salmon, ice cream, and chocolate. She loves to read, write, tour wineries, ride her bike, ease into yoga, and cook gourmet meals for friends. Find her at http://www.claudiatallermusings.blogspot.com.