Over half a century of dedication.

Back in 1955 or thereabouts, William Wilkens opened "Wilkens & Sons", a candy and ice cream shop in East New York. William's chocolate-making expertise brought people to the store in droves, especially at holiday time! William's secret recipes for the best tasting chocolates have been passed down to his son Paul who has been making chocolate for family and friends for as long as he can remember.

"It has to be perfect Paulie."

I remember my father's words as I stirred the chocolate in his East New York candy and ice cream shop. As soon as I could see over the counters, I was taught the art and science of making chocolate, just as he had been taught.

Each night we descended the stairs from our apartment to the shop below and began the careful process: slowly simmering the ingredients until they reached the precise temperature, delicately stirring the chocolate as it cooled, and then promptly making the mouth-watering confections before the chocolate lost its sheen.

"Good chocolate shines..."

...my father would say as he held up a flawless batch so I could witness its deep color and luster. If a batch didn't display a beautiful lustrous finish or present the proper consistency, firmness and texture, we simply wouldnít sell it.

Today, more than 40 years later, I continue to follow the traditions I learned in my father's shop.

I prepare our chocolates in small batches, made to order so it's always fresh.

I use only the finest ingredients and our family's secret recipe so you can delight in the smooth buttery texture of our dark and milk chocolates, and taste the subtle flavors, like the hints of vanilla in our white chocolate creations.

And I painstakingly make the chocolate exactly as my family did; slowly simmering the ingredients until they reach the precise temperature, delicately stirring the chocolate as it cools, and then promptly creating the finished product - so it's perfect every time.

If you're passionate about your chocolate like we are, one taste and you'll see why Wilkens Chocolates have been a favorite among families for many generations.