A Swedish baker is bringing a taste of his own heritage to the Hudson Valley. HÅKAN Chocolatier offers a variety of decadent delights, including a variety of chocolates, pastries and candies that have a slight twist.

"My flavors are very global," said Håkan Mårtensson, owner of the shop. I'm using ingredients from all over the world, from India and Vietnam to Africa…I do like to tweak them a little bit with a Scandinavian touch. It's all about creating something different, something new, something interesting."

Håkan Mårtensson's passion for pastry began when he was just 15 years old in Sweden. He made a name for himself on the Swedish National Culinary Team in 2005, bringing home gold medals from the World Cup in Luxembourg and the Culinary Olympics. By 2008, Mårtensson moved to New York City, continuing to develop his skills as the Master Chocolatier at FIKA NYC. After more than a decade in Manhattan, he found himself in the heart of Beacon, where his business began to flourish.

"Being here is such a big difference compared to the city," he said. "Here, you really get to know people right away, and I fell in love with that. After one month, I knew as many people as I did after 12 years in the city. So the response has been fantastic."

As the shop continues to grow, Mårtensson is thankful for the Hudson Valley for not only becoming his home away from home, but also giving him a new sense of community.

"I would say [the] Hudson Valley is very similar to Scandinavia. It has the mountains, it has the rivers, it has the people," he said. "I love to interact with customers on certain days...and see how they appreciate trying something new and something different...Every day is a perfect day for me. This is an extension of me. I love it."

HÅKAN Chocolatier is located at 462 Main Street in Beacon.