01/01/2026
2025 was quite a busy year. I had to put my business aside momentarily to focus on life... a life that involved watching my daughter graduate high school and move in to her college dorm. A life filled with so much travel to places like Costa Rica, Spain and Mississippi to meet my new baby niece. With dance competitions, recitals and a summer with no summer school. Life was busy, but in the most beautiful way.
And through all of that travel, I was able to discover so many new chocolate makers; taste and experience chocolate in different countries. And through all of the busyness, the chaos and sometimes the stress, I consumed over 100 bars/wrapped chocolates/chocolate coated treats, which equated to approximately 16lbs of chocolate!
I might have eaten more than I made this year, but that's part of the journey of being a chocolatier. It's not just about producing, but about exploring, discovering, learning, and tasting!! Lots of tasting!! And man, did I enjoy some memorable bars this year:
🍫 Bread Your Mind by Potomac Chocolate
🍫 Chok's Dark Chocolate with Fried Corn
🍫 Fossa's Salted Egg Cereal - a must try white made with salted duck egg yolk.
🍫 Mirzam Chocolate with Dates and Fennel
🍫 Chocolate with Crickets and Ants! Worth the experience!
🍫 Markham and Fitz Smoke and Brulee
🍫 Chequesett Chocolate's Maushop's Smoke
🍫 Friis Holm's Slow Dried Organic 64% Madagascar
Lastly, goodbye chocolate covered fruit and coffee, and hello candied ginger!! Hand crafted chocolate covered candied ginger is my new favorite go to and something I plan to make in the future because store bought does not do it justice!
As we say goodbye to 2025 and set new goals for 2026, I hope you take a moment to reflect back on everything this year has blessed you with; on everything it has taught you; and, maybe, like me, on all of the chocolate you consumed. 😝
See you in the New Year!! 🥳🎊🎉
