Jean Neuhaus II introduced the famous Belgian praline in 1912, and the Neuhaus name remains synonymous with refined chocolate. The Manon collection pays tribute to Neuhaus’ daughter, a former opera singer, and showcases a variety of delicate filled chocolates. The assortment typically includes five pieces of each of the following: a light butter-cream praline studded with caramelized hazelnut pieces and coated in milk chocolate; a dark chocolate mousse praline with a crisp dark chocolate shell; a white chocolate shell filled with Madagascar vanilla butter cream and a whole pecan; and a white chocolate filled with coffee butter cream. Neuhaus Specialty Selection Manon, $45. www.neuhauschocolate.com
Neuhaus’ signature packaging—the ballotin—is almost as admired as the chocolates themselves. The brand’s new coffee- and tea-inspired tins continue that tradition: beautifully presented, they were designed to pair with coffee and tea for an indulgent afternoon treat. A flavor-pairing brochure suggests which Neuhaus tins—Earl Grey Min Sin Chinese black tea, East of Eden Chinese green tea, or Four Origins coffee—best complement the chocolates. Neuhaus 20-piece Chocolate, Coffee & Tea Praline Tin, $35. www.neuhauschocolate.com
Another luxurious offering is Chimay Grand Cru cheese. This semi-soft cheese, made from pasteurized cow’s milk, pairs wonderfully with Belgian beer. Its mellow, rounded flavor develops during a six-week aging process, resulting in a smooth, approachable cheese. Chimay Grand Cru, $22.93 per pound. www.gourmet-food.com
Visitors to Liège know the joy of biting into a warm Belgian waffle straight from a street vendor’s cart. These caramelized waffles, studded with pearl sugar, are celebrated worldwide. For those who can’t travel to Belgium, Jean-François Flechet recreates an authentic Liège waffle using an age-old family recipe. Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of chocolate syrup and fresh fruit for a genuine taste of Belgium at home. Taste of Belgium Liège-style waffles, $30 for 12, $10 for each additional four-pack, plus shipping. http://authenticwaffle.com