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AUBURN — After 35 years of dipping strawberries in chocolates, Maine Gourmet Chocolates owner Stephanie Bernatchez has it down to a science: It’s all about dialing in the correct temperature, using high-quality chocolate, and making sure the strawberries are dry.

Bernatchez ― whose strawberries come in several varieties of chocolate, and most have decorative stripes ― has been working with candy and chocolates for more than 35 years, starting in her home. The Bernatchez family just celebrated 15 years at their storefront in the Roak Block on Main Street.

Bernatchez and family members who help her run the business were dipping and wrapping chocolates Wednesday morning in preparation for the Valentine’s Day rush.

But it’s not only about chocolate-covered strawberries. Numerous heart-shaped chocolate treats and candy were on display throughout the store, waiting to be given to shoppers’ sweethearts on Saturday.

This penguin chocolate heart is one of dozens of creative pieces at Maine Gourmet Chocolates on Main Street in Auburn.
Owner Stephanie Bernatchez lets excess chocolate drip from a strawberry before placing it on a tray to set.
Various types of chocolate are kept warm on a hot plate before being poured into molds or used for strawberry dipping.
A box of chocolate-covered strawberries ready for sale.
Chocolate wafers before being melted down and poured into molds or used for strawberry dipping.
In addition to Valentine-themed chocolate and candy, the chocolatier offers a good variety of traditional sweets.
This Valentine heart is one of dozens of creative chocolates awaiting customers.
Stephanie Bernatchez drizzles white chocolate on a chocolate-covered strawberry.

A lifelong resident of Lewiston, Russ stumbled into photography as a college student working toward a career in psychology. His great-grandfather Louis B. Costello was the publisher of the Lewiston Daily...

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