Indies Only: Hand-Made Chocolates in Time for Valentine's Day

Chocolates are lining the shelves at every grocery store as Valentine’s Day approaches. Oswego resident, Sally Fleege, is busy creating her own line of chocolates. Chocolates by Sally Jean offers both traditional chocolates and new treats to try.

“My chocolates are hand made fresh and in small batches. They will keep for six months and are better than any of those others found in stores,” said Fleege.

Fleege said she doesn’t have time to market, so she’s fortunate that word of mouth has resulted in business partnerships. Both Fox Valley Winery and SciTech Cafe sell her chocolates. Fleege is working with Emerson Creek Pottery and Tearoom, who also hope to sell her chocolates, she said.

“I don’t want to saturate the Oswego area,” said Fleege who hopes to grow her company by expanding to nearby towns.

“Murtles” and “Purtles” are Fleege’s biggest sellers, she said. “Murtles” are your choice of chocolate “smothering rich caramel over fresh salted pecans with hand drizzled contrasting chocolate.” A “Purtle” substitutes a pretzel for the pecans.

Chocolates by Sally Jean also offers a full line of filled chocolates, sugar-free chocolates, barks and chocolate covered pretzels. Customers can choose a combination of chocolates to fill a box, having the opportunity to try one of each of Fleege’s creations.

A box of 9 chocolates starts at $9.

Fleege enjoyed participating in Emerson Creek Pottery’s Holiday Fest and said she hopes to participate in more shows but the heat creates issues as her chocolate needs to stay cold. Unfortunately, farmer’s markets aren’t an option when you’re selling chocolate, she said.

Fleege said she enjoys the creative aspect of her business most and welcomes custom orders.

Recently, Fleege created 4,200 chocolate King Tuts in gold foil for a major bank, she said. The craziest order thus far was for sugar skulls to celebrate Day of the Dead, Fleege said.

Fleege makes favors for weddings and bridal showers and has even “matched chocolates to dress colors,” she said.

Fleege started Chocolates by Sally Jean eight years ago when her husband lost his job. The business was a long time coming. She’s made chocolate for friends and family for years. When her children were young, Fleege made suckers and other goodies to coordinate with birthday party themes.

Fleege’s husband, Rick, is her accountant. She said they make a pretty good team despite occasionally butting heads. During busy times, family and friends help box chocolates, said Fleege. These same neighbors are often Fleege’s guinea pigs when she’s creating a new treat.

Carol Black is one of Fleege’s neighbor guinea pigs. Black described Fleege as “one talented human being.”

Black said her husband is not a chocolate or candy person but he can’t get enough of the new flavor, Tuscan Treat. He had a hard time describing the taste but said it was sweet but with a balsamic vinaigrette undertone. Fleege said this new line goes well with red wine.

“Sally’s chocolate is as good as what is sold in stores and is also made with pure, natural ingredients,” said Black. “She’s got a gift and she’s also a phenomenal individual.”

Contact Sally Fleege at 630-636-6787 or sallyschocolates@aol.com