White Chocolate Wasabi Peas From Francisco Migoya's Hudson Chocolate

[Photographs: Niko Triantafillou]

If you're looking for a last minute stocking stuffer or something other than wine to bring to a holiday party, Hudson Chocolates' Wasabi Peas ($12) may be just the thing. They start out similar to the wasabi peas you're already familiar with but end up transcending the snack category into something more satisfying.

Modernist bonbons from Francisco Migoya's Hudson Chocolates

Hudson Chocolates covers the peas in white chocolate to balance the spicy wasabi coating. Then comes a light layer of powdered Granny Smith apple peel for tartness. Hudson uses peels from local apples, dries the skins, and pulverizes them into a powder for something that's sweet, sour, and a little spicy.

The Yuzu Fruit chocolate from Hudson Chocolates.

I ordered a number of them from the website as gifts along with Yuzu Fruit and chocolate bars, some of which are also available at Dean and Deluca stores in New York City and at 2Beans chocolate and coffee shop. Look for a feature about Hudson Chocolates and founder, pastry chef, and chocolatier Francisco Migoya on Serious Sweets soon.