An Affection for Confection

80 pounds. Now that’s a lot of fudge, and make that homemade fudge, enough to last about a month, if that.

At four hours per kettle-melted batch, the culmination of the decadent confection is an intensive labor of love that very much reflects the name of the cafe where it is whipped into perfection for foraging or gifting. Maybe both.

Welcome to Heavenly Temptations: A destination for all matters of the heart. It is an institution that has been satisfying sweet tooths and sentiment-seekers for more than three decades.

A Storied Past

Once upon a time, Heavenly Temptations lived in the lower level of the Boonton Holmes Public Library. A true ground-floor venture and an embodiment of humble beginnings, the cafe first operated in a 400-square-foot space on the right side of the library. Word spread as did the business, establishing the cafe and espresso bar in the remaining space.

This was in the late ‘80s early ‘90s when stationary stores, while showing hints of decline, were still very much a slice of Main Street Americana, including Boonton. Cox was able to preserve some of that stationary store charm when she took over the space from Laker and owner of Boonton Stationery Store and Gift shop owner Klauss Lutter in 1994.

While helping Klaus close up shop and in putting her own stamp on it, Cox and others unearthed a secret door of sorts hidden beneath the layers of the walls.

“This door connected our building to the building next door,” she says, referencing what is now Tiffany Nails. “These two buildings were originally owned by two brothers.” In a further big reveal, the crew discovered a set of broken wooden steps outside the door and attached to the exterior of the building. Secret passages aside and for safety purposes, the steps and door were removed. In place of the door, Cox installed a window that is visible from behind the counter, and the two buildings still remain very much connected by way of a door on the upper level.

A Main Street Institution

“We’re going on 36 years,” says Ann Cox, a Boonton native, who minds the store along with her husband, Pat, her mom, Marion Gentile, and a dedicated team of long-time employees. A combination one-stop shop for sweets and comfort food—think homemade soups, sandwiches, and yes, even quiche—the store is equally as dedicated to gifts and greeting cards to accompany them.

The open-air vibe resonates almost as much as the aroma of treats baking in real time on any given day. Fresh coffee and espresso encourage lingering, and there is plenty of seating on hand, including a designated window view, to lengthen your stay. While the coffee delivers, it is impossible to resist pairing it with the assortment of cakes, pies, and pastries on display. The selection of biscotti warrants repeat trips in order to taste test all the flavors.

With the exception of rolls and bagels, all goods are baked fresh on the premises, and some, such as the cherry almond biscotti incorporate family recipes. Ann’s 90-years young mother Marion “Mimi” Gentile emerges from the kitchen, her sweatshirt telling it like it is: A Baker’s Gotta Bake, and bake she does. She came on board in 1997 after retiring from her nursing career, but not really retiring. She’s an all-around full-time employee and at the helm of all matters muffins, biscotti, and the majority of the cakes.

As a business owner, Cox rolls up as equal a sleeve as her employees and her first order of business is scones and there’s a schedule involved. “Raisin scones are our staple, and Wednesdays are double-orange scones.”

Specialty brownies and gluten free products also fall in her wheelhouse, as do small business essentials such as planning, purchasing, personnel, and gift baskets. In mother-daughter fashion, mom bakes the cakes and Cox frosts them. The division of labor continues: Mom makes the crust of the quiche and daughter fills the shell. Cox also stirs the pot of the homemade soups such as curried pumpkin for example.

To date—and very much for your date—Heavenly Temptations is in full-on Valentine’s Day mode. There’s an entire table dedicated to it such as red Chinese food takeout cartons packed with elements of surprise.

On the food-is-love front, chocolate covered strawberries, red velvet cake and, wait for it, chocolate covered bacon are brought into the seasonal fold as well.

Cox keeps her nonedible inventory fresh by way of trade shows and sales reps.

An entire section of the wall is dedicated to lavender-scented comforts including the proven-popular microwavable plush bears and warming neck pillows. The lavender collections hail from the California-based women-powered Sonoma Line, which was conceived on a lavender farm in the namesake wine region. The march of self-care continues through an assortment of handmade soaps, lotions, and, of course, candles.

In paying homage to Cox’s hometown, “I love Boonton” merch is up for grabs as are themed coffee mugs and gourmet packaged recipes to make at home.

Cox is also partial to the Life is Good brand, which is known for its whimsical uplifting messaging and graphics.

With more than three decades of hometown advantage, Heavenly Temptations stays in their lane and coexists in what has become coffee shop row. A steady stream of repeat customers keeps everything in check as does a dedicated team of employees, and the delicacies speak for themselves.

Heavenly Temptations is located at 712 Main St. in Boonton. Find more information at www.heavenlytemptations.com.

Photographs by Antonietta Henry