Some of the hedonistic confections that Allison makes by hand: dark peppermint bark, peppermint creme patties, truffles and artisanal caramels.

Last year at the Vida Vegan Conference, I met and hung out with Allison Rivers Samson, self-proclaimed "Maven of Mmmmm" and owner of the uber-popular Allison's Gourmet. Believe it or not, she is actually sweeter than the confections she purveys.

Speaking of her confections, I was a very lucky girl over the recent holidays. First, VegNews sent me and all contributing writers a box of Allison's brownies: rich, decadent with a faint orange scent. Allison also kindly sent me a holiday sampling of her sophisticated treats, sumptuously packaged in her signature chocolate brown box tied with lavender ribbon. Of course, I greedily gobbled them all up in record time. I especially enjoyed the Peppermint Creme Patties – they made me fall in love with peppermint again – and the Artisanal Vegan Caramels.

Allison's Gourmet has been in business since 1997. Her products not only taste good; buying them also make you feel good, because Allison uses only organic, fair-trade, vegan and minimally processed ingredients, and relies on post-consumer recycled paper and packaging whenever possible.

At the Vida Vegan Conference, left to right, me, Terry Hope Romero, Julie Hasson, Maven of Mmmm, Allison Rivers Samson of Allison's Gourmet.

Want to win a $20 gift certificate for Allison's Gourmet? All you have to do is visit Allison's Gourmet, take a look-see, and leave a comment here with the decadent treat that you like most [Disclaimer: I cannot be held responsible if you drool all over your keyboard or mobile]. You need to live in the US to be eligible. Please be sure to leave contact info. Good luck, chocoholics! I'll be announcing the winner in the next few days.