The Sweet Side of the Adirondacks

The Adirondack Truffle Company is the perfect place for those with a sweet tooth.

Story and photo by Missy Repola

The Adirondack Truffle Company sits on Smithfield Boulevard, in Plattsburgh, New York. It is an unassuming little shop from the outside, but the inside is adorned with quaint Adirondack décor. Passing through the doors, the intoxicating aroma of chocolate fills your senses, making your taste buds water with the anticipation of tasting a delicious truffle.

Truffles are a tasty chocolate treat. Chocolate truffles are traditionally made with a rich pastry filling, which is then coated in creamy chocolate. Truffles can come in many different shapes, sizes, and flavors. And at The Adirondack Truffle Company, those shapes, sizes, and flavors are fashioned by hand, by Robin Osborne.

“If you can think of it, we probably have it.”

Tired of working as a chocolatier, but never losing her passion for chocolate, Robin Osborne quit her job and decided to open up her own sweets store. In 2007, the Adirondack Truffle Company was born. After leaving her job, Osborne had found a place but had no equipment to start with. Luckily, she met someone who just happened to be giving away six candy cases -- coincidentally the exact amount she needed for her store. From that moment on, Osborne knew that the shop's future was meant to be.  

The Adirondack Truffle Company creates a grown up version of the clichéd kid in a candy store. There are over 40 varieties of truffles available inside the store at all times. Seasonal options are also available, and Osborne is always working to create new flavors. “If you can think of it, we probably have it,” Osborne says. “We can’t keep it in the store.”

And if you can think of it, Osborne has probably made it--no matter how outlandish the flavor combination might seem. A quick survey of the items behind the counter reveals that many Truffle Company creations are anything but mundane. For example, Osborne says that people are flocking to buy one of her newest inspirations, the cookie dough truffle.

Cookie dough is just one in a long line of unusual homemade truffles. When the store first opened up, a customer asked Osborne to make a rose-flavored truffle. Never having heard of such a thing before, Osborne set to work to create her very own--and now very popular--rose-flavored truffle. According to Osborne, this truffle has become one of the Company's staples. It also inspired the creation of other unique truffles such as “Hot Chocolate.” In this case, though, the name “Hot Chocolate” can be deceiving. Instead of being sweet and sugary, this truffle is hot and spicy. It is made with an assortment of hot peppers, giving it a real kick. Not only customers give Robin the ideas for her truffles, either. Quite often, she says, the new flavor schemes originate from her family as well.

Yet the family gives Osborne more than just flavor ideas. Whenever Robin needs some help, she calls on one of her daughters for aid. Diana Osborne, Robin’s youngest daughter, works at the store full time. Often, Diana and her mother collaborate on what types of truffles should be created. The most recent discussion is that of a birthday cake truffle: a truffle filled with birthday cake batter and dipped in rich creamy chocolate.

"The truffles are completely customizable."

The Adirondack Truffle Company has only been open for two years, but in that short amount of time, Osborne says, it has enjoyed great success. Osborne often gets special orders for her one-pound truffle. This truffle is the size of a baseball and is roughly the equivalent of 22 regular-size truffles. “The truffles are completely customizable,” says Osborne.

Customizable truffles are very popular; Because of this, catering is another big money-maker for the Adirondack Truffle Company. From weddings to parties, these little truffles are a huge hit. One of Osborne’s favorite stories to tell is of how a customer asked for a special order of truffles to be made and sent down to New York City for her son’s movie premiere. Osborne happily made the specialized truffles and sent them on their way. Little did she know that big name celebrities like Carmen Electra would be enjoying the popular treats.

Images of the classic “I Love Lucy” pop into mind when watching Robin make the truffles. She admits it herself, “I’m like Lucy from the candy factory episode, just making chocolate non-stop,” and she does with every truffle handmade and hand dipped into dark, white, or milk chocolate. The process isn’t easy, and daughter Diana spoke about how much her mom does to keep the company going. “My mom worked about 20 hours a day last Christmas season for about 2 weeks straight,” Diana said, “but she always had a smile on her face.”

“These are the best truffles I’ve ever had,” declares local SUNY Plattsburgh student Sean McCluskey. This is not the only rave review that the Adirondack Truffle Company has received. “I love their truffles,” says Josh Tuper another SUNY Plattsburgh student. If these two tasters are any indication of the region's opinion of this shop, The Adirondack Truffle Company has clearly built itself a very loyal fan base.

What flavor truffle would you like to see at the Adirondack Truffle Company?