How does one decide to become a chocolatier? Do you just wake up one morning and say, hey, you know what, I think I am going to study chocolate? Well, in my case, that was about what happened. I had always worked with chocolate before, and I had always loved baking. I was usually the first to start organizing Christmas cookie exchanges MONTHS before the actual event. Yes, I will even admit to the fact that I had the nick name “Mini Martha”. Although let’s just forget about that for now… I loved the smell of fresh baked goods coming out of the kitchen. There was always something very satisfying about baking and something about it that exuded the energy of home. No matter where I am in the world, as long as there is the aroma of something freshly baked wafting out of the kitchen, I am home.
But chocolate on the other hand is different. Of course, I was always eating it. I am a true chocoholic on that level. I don’t know where they got the idea that diamonds are a girl’s best friend. To hell with that, chocolate takes the podium for that one. Women are emotional creatures. And when the world has gotten us down, or when we have had our heart broken for the 500th time, or even when we are celebrating the joys that life has brought our way, chocolate is always there to help us and lift us up. Come on ladies, fess up. How many times have you found yourself sitting on the couch wrapped up in 20 layers of blankets and duvets, crying your eyes out because one more bastard (sorry gentlemen) has broken your heart, YET AGAIN, and eating a tub of Haagen Daaz Chocolate icecream? Or that moment, when you are celebrating being Queen of the World, and you are fully enjoying the sensual pleasure of a good piece of chocolate? I thought so.. Chocolate is always there supporting our every sorrow and joy.
Now don’t worry gentlemen. I am not out on a hunt against men or am leaving you out of the pleasures of the chocolate world. I have seen many a man, eyes closed, savouring every note and aroma of a good piece of chocolate; as they feel the subtle flavours of red fruits, toasty smoke or hints of rose or jasmine dancing in their in their mouths. I have seen Viking like men swoon at the silky and smooth texture of a fine piece of dark chocolate melting in their mouths. Hmmm… and no comments from the peanut gallery on this one please. 
My point is, a good piece of quality chocolate is a true sensual and happy experience for both men and women alike.
So how did I decide to become a chocolatier? As I said, I literally woke up one morning and decided to study chocolate. Just like that. This seems to be an ongoing pattern in my life, I have tendency of just waking up in the morning and making life changing decisions. Like moving to the other end of the planet, quitting my 9-5 job, studying chocolate and wine… you know, little things like that. A little crazy perhaps, but then again being a little crazy is a good thing in life.
However what started my interest in chocolate (aside from my already existent chocolate addiction) was actually my involvement with wine. I had read an article on chocolate and wine pairing, and they were saying that it is difficult to pair the two. But something told me otherwise, so I set out myself to see what I could do. I had a truffle recipe that I used which called for adding liquors into it. I thought, why not try it with wine? Well guess what, they were a huge hit. Hmmm, I can’t imagine why, who would want to each such a horrible combination such as chocolate and wine… I then began reading up on chocolate and became fascinated. It was one of the most unique foods I had ever encountered, and one of the most versatile. My curiosity was peaked, and so my love affair began. Since then I have managed to pair chocolate with both white wines, red wines and fortified wines. I have also started the creation of unique truffles. And my fascination with chocolate continues. Every day I learn something new that just adds to my love of this gourmet food. To me it is like a magical elixir, revitalizing, rejuvenating, but always adding that special touch of joie de vivre that no other food can do. Is it any wonder that it is called the food of the gods?
My hope through this blog is to be able to share my chocolate experiences and adventures with you, and be able to introduce you to the many different faces chocolate has to offer, to take you past looking at it as just another candy, but as a true gourmet food, a real food of the gods.
