If you dream of that perfect truffle, but don't have the culinary skills to make it, the Sunflower company has the perfect solution.

The Sunflower Company run by Catherine Bell of St. David's, makes chocolate truffles. Miss Bell started the business in February 2008.

"Business has been good," said Miss Bell. "It's been picking up since I started.

"We are doing Market Nights in St. George's now. Some corporate clients have picked us up."

The truffles are also available at several retail outlets including Juice & Beans on Front Street, and East End Flower Alley in St. George's and FlowersbyGiMi.

"At Market Nights the locals are like 'I didn't know there was chocolate here'," said Miss Bell. "One lady hired us for a business function after trying them in town.

"Everyone loves them. Most people are surprised that they aren't too sweet."

Now the company is running 'A Truffle Idea Challenge'. "We are asking our past customers or possible new ones to put forward an idea for a new type of truffle we could use," said Miss Bell.

"We have a client who wants us to do something special for them. The winning recipe will be served to them.

"We are looking for an idea that is as simple as possible, but still good quality."

The prize is a free box of eight truffles in the winning flavour.

"The winner's name will also be mentioned in relation to the truffle flavour," said Miss Bell.

They currently offer: white chocolate with roasted almonds, a milk chocolate with pecans, 50 percent dark chocolate with macadamia nuts, and a 58 percent dark chocolate with coconut.

"We have already had some suggestions, such as using different meats and Indian spices, and different citrus fruits," she said. "They are very interesting ideas and I am looking forward to experimenting and seeing what would work.

"If I use someone's idea in the future, then they will get a box of chocolate."

To enter the competition or to inquire about Miss Bell's truffles contact her by e-mail at Cathbell@northrock.bm or telephone 297-0527 or fax 297-6073 or cell 732-5266.