New Confections Shop Provides ‘Brazilian Touch’
- Maria O'Donnell
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
Luscious Truffles, Decadent Cupcakes, Mouthwatering Warm Milk Chocolate Sauce Entice the Senses
By Maria G. O’Donnell
Staff Writer
A labor of love and gift from God—that’s what Priscilla Pedrosa’s new shop, ChoccoDiva Confections, came to be. After 14 months of her husband Jean Sapiain’s renovations, the West Hartford shop opened its doors to the public last May.
Located at 282 Park Rd., the former Edible Arrangements location was upgraded by Sapiain, who works with JHS Home Improvements, and embellished by his wife, Pedrosa. Her inspiration comes from the Netflix series “Bridgerton,” as she appreciates the show and its vintage style. She held up a cookbook of recipes featured on the show, which is loaded with colorful show photos of the British early 1800s Regency era reflected in the décor of her shop.
Predominantly pink with gold accents, Pedrosa’s furniture was found online and suited her tastes to correspond with the TV series. Chandeliers, mirrors, and photos of vintage high-coiffed women abound. Delicate, ornate pieces of fine China line the wall in the intimate dining area.
But the confection recipes are her own inspired creations. And they are impossible to resist. Pedrosa’s featured ingredient is called Brigadeiro, a decadent combination of Belgian chocolate and condensed milk. “Brigadeiros are a Brazilian must-have at birthday parties,” Pedrosa explained, and are served in addition to birthday cake.
She offers more than 20 all-natural, gluten-free flavors that are added to the truffles, including white, milk or dark chocolate, as well as pistachio, strawberry, kalua, gingerbread, Nutella, coconut, peanut butter, key lime pie – and more. Embellishments include walnuts, hazelnuts, crispies, sprinkles, and M&Ms. Customers can “Build Your Own Box” by selecting their own sweets in boxes of 4, 6, 12, or 24 Brigadeiros.
Brigadeiro forms that underlying ingredient in warm chocolate sauce, cupcakes, truffles and bon bons. She also provides unique ice cream concoctions presented in equally unique containers, such as mini bathtubs, martini glasses, and coconut shells.
Sweet, delicate carrot cake is topped with warm milk chocolate sauce, trading out traditional cream cheese frosting for this mouthwatering alternative. Dip brownie bites, marshmallows, strawberries and more into different fondues: milk or dark chocolate, Brigadeiro praline, or hazelnut praline milk chocolate.
ChoccoDiva’s website menu features endless varieties of sweet gems for all occasions, sure to please the palate, as well as the eye: Unique, ornate designs make confections look like party favors. Personalized, amazing accents and attention to minute details turn goodies into works of art. Pedrosa can create mini animals and people, even chocolate frames and tiny Bibles. Pedrosa will gladly personalize any of her products in a dazzling manner for her customers.
Various coffees, teas and hot chocolate are available to accompany the goodies. Milkshakes in souvenir cups and beverages concocted with acai fruit juice will please the palate. Pedrosa also makes eclairs, cream puffs, and pies. Soon, she will offer a “savory” side to the menu with panini sandwiches available.
Four different wall monitors inside the cozy four walls show the shop’s menus with photos of the products they offer.
Pedrosa also caters large events: weddings, birthdays, baby showers, baptisms, and corporate events. “I work more with brides; it’s what I love to do,” she said. “Brides have a 2-hour tasting here,” along with their fiancés. With weddings, Brigadeiros are in a “more sophisticated form,” as they are personalized with initials, hearts and colors of the wedding. In February, Pedrosa attended the Bridal Expo in Hartford to showcase her goodies.
At weddings, “we set it up to look beautiful,” she said. “They taste really nice, look great on the table, and guests love it. It’s something people remember.”
Because of the Brigadeiros’ delicate nature, she will transport deliveries herself to New York, Massachusetts, or New Jersey. For Connecticut’s convenience, she also recently became part of DoorDash.
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner at press time, Pedrosa considers it “one of the busiest days of the year.” She displayed delicate strawberry flavored truffles with red hearts etched in the center. Or the dark chocolate outside of a milk chocolate truffle topped with red Brigadeiro frosting and a tiny white gummy bear in the middle.
Pedrosa noted that Easter is her biggest season. She creates large chocolate Easter eggs in a chocolate half-shell, filled with all sorts of delectable accents. Easter eggs are “how I began everything,” she said, adding that when she was 12, she took classes with a woman in Brazil. As she got older, she’d take her bon bons to parties and people asked for more. She took even more classes “to learn more about chocolate and desserts,” she said. “I always search for new things and flavors with a Brazilian touch.”
Pedrosa used to create her confections out of her home but now enjoys owning a place where people can come and gather inside. “People have stories and sit and drink their tea or coffee,” she said. “That’s the fun part of having a business – the community. West Hartford is a great community; their welcome was very warm.”
Living in America for the past 25 years, Pedrosa currently lives in West Hartford with her husband, son John Henry, 10, and 16-year-old daughter Monique, who helps at the store and whose portraits adorn the walls, along with a bride model.
Why the name ChoccoDiva? Pedrosa explained, “My friend used to call me ChoccoDiva – I’m a diva of chocolate!” She created her own logo of the purple circle with a gold Brigadeiro above, and below, gold, delicate script, ChoccoDiva. “I love it,” she said.
“We have many blessings,” she openly admitted. “I believe in God; He’s the one who supports me. Without Him, you’re nothing.” Pedrosa held up one of her take-out coffee cups, a corresponding purple, like her logo. “When I got the keys to the store, I put this on my coffee cup.” Inscribed in gold lettering: “God makes your dreams come true, Just believe!” WHL
ChoccoDiva Confections is located at 282 Park Rd, West Hartford. Call 860-922-4063 or go to https://www.choccodiva.store/.
