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Divinely Crafted Chocolate Experiences

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Inspired by the rich history of cacao and guided by a passion for flavor, I handcraft fresh, weekly changing chocolate experiences designed to awaken your senses and nourish your soul.

Tradition and Soul

Oval Chocolate Bar with gold fleck representing the tradition and soul of chocolate making

My flavors are infused with inspiration from cacao's ancient origins and my personal passion.

Finely Crafted

Two chocolate shaped hearts representing the finely crafted nature of the chocolates

Each chocolate is perfected through dedicated training and meticulous artisan techniques.

Palate Perfected

two oval chocolate pieces with white drizzle representing the perfected palate of the chocolates

My weekly menu is crafted and refined based on valuable feedback from a diverse tasting panel.

Chocolates Ancient Beginnings

A cacao pod hanging from a tree, representing the ancient beginnings of chocolate.

The history of chocolate begins with the Olmec tribe, who inhabited the Gulf Mexican coast between 1200 and 400 BC. Considered the first major civilization in what is now central Mexico, the Olmecs were pioneers in several areas, notably being the first to utilize the cacao bean to create chocolate. According to one story, their discovery of the edible cocoa pods was inspired by observing a black panther, an animal they held in high esteem and worship, eating the ripe pods. Following the panther's example, Olmec hunters gathered the pods and brought them to their high priest. Through experimentation, the priests developed a process of roasting and grinding the beans, mixing them with water to fashion a sacred drink reserved for ceremonies. This deep connection led to the Black Panther, or Were-Jaguar, becoming the spirit animal associated with the cacao pod. While later civilizations like the Mayans and Aztecs refined the process, experimenting with additions like spices and sweeteners, the Olmecs laid the foundational use of cacao for what would evolve into the chocolate we know today.

A cacao pod hanging from a tree, representing the ancient beginnings of chocolate. Four chocolates designed to look like cacao pods, representing the ancient beginnings of chocolate.
a stylized panther representing the spirit animal associated with cacao and the business owner. Four chocolate pieces arranged in a tall stack representing the business owner and her chocolate making process.
a stylized panther representing the spirit animal associated with cacao and the business owner.

My Culinary Journey This Far

My path to crafting fine chocolates is the culmination of a lifelong passion and a diverse set of experiences. After a fulfilling career in healthcare administration, where I earned a PhD in Nursing, my deep-seated interest in the culinary arts took center stage. Over the years I honed my skills and senses by attending culinary school on nights and weekends, fueling a passion that manifested in countless ways over the years. From hosting exceptional parties and running a supper club and catering business to operating a special order home-bakery, starring in a cooking TV show that led to a cookbook, and teaching cooking classes – my kitchen has always been a place of creativity and joy. I even earned semi-finalist titles in North Eastern cook-offs and provided one-on-one coaching. Alongside this, I've been an international award-winning amateur winemaker for over two decades. These rich experiences, underscored how central cooking and creating were to me. Becoming a Certified Professional Chocolatier felt like a natural, focused evolution of this experimental spirit.

This CHOCOLATE lives up to the name ‘DIVA’. Chocolate can be fickle, demanding and high maintenance. If the conditions are not exactly to her liking she acts up and refuses to move through the chocolate making process. She can be stubborn, weepy, seize up or separate into cocoa butter and cocoa solids as a reaction to conditions that are uncomfortable. Even in the best of times she has to be coaxed out of the mold. However, when it all works really well, the experience of eating that special piece of fine chocolate can create synesthesia. Synesthesia takes place in the moment that you experience the chocolate with more than one of your senses simultaneously.

I am truly in love with the art of making chocolate – crafting fresh, unique, and creative pieces that, when savored mindfully, offer a truly magical indulgence. My aim is to share this joy and educate others on the profound satisfaction of experiencing real, fine chocolate, a pursuit that genuinely speaks to my soul's purpose.

Find out how to bring DIVA CHOCOLAT to your next celebration!

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