Confessions of a Chocolatier

Saturday I was pleased to join some of the areas top pastry chef’s and chocolatier’s to participate in a sweet festival called Indulge LA. This lavish event was held from 1-5 at the Olympic Collection’s elegant banquet hall and for a mere $35 one could indulge in not only an array of chocolates but cupcakes, wine, champagne and even Patron! With all of the proceeds being donated to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, I was thrilled that the show was sold out, not bad for it’s first year. What an amazing turnout and on the same weekend as the 5th annual LA Chocolate Salon, proof that there are large numbers of chocoholics in this city!

The initial draw to this show for me was because it was for charity and because in my opinion, St. Jude is one of the best charities to support. The fact that I went in with the intentions of having fun and supporting a good cause with a group of people that were all there for the same reason, made the atmosphere really laid back. I love making hand rolled bon-bons for special events because they are so divine when they’re fresh out of the kitchen. So on Friday evening, in honor of the first day of Fall I whipped up a batch of Pumpkin Bon-Bons. I especially like these festive truffles because the center ganache is made with a delicate balance of milk and dark chocolate, emulsified with pumpkin seed oil and the shell a thin layer of white chocolate. The best part, is the crunchy bits of krisp rice and pumpkin spice they are rolled in for the finishing touch. I also made raspberry bon-bons infused with Raspberry Tea that were not dipped in tempered chocolate but rolled in finely graded white chocolate. I also included tastings of fudgy brownies, smores’ bites and a selection of our gourmet truffles.

I always adore trying new things especially when chocolate is involved so I tried to dart out now and again to have a few tastes and sips and talk with some of the other vendors. I wish I could have met more of them but I was so busy passing out samples at my table most of the day, I could barely put them out fast enough! I enjoyed seeing old friends from other shows like Diana from Ococoa and meeting new ones like Joan from Choclatique and Francisco from Pacari.

I loved the addition of live entertainment, a fine gentlemen wonderfully serenading us with Nat King Cole covers was a classy touch. Another highlight of the event was personalized engraving on the complementary wine glasses. I think Barcelona Enterprises did a great job putting this show together and I hope they continue to do it for years to come. Hopefully with some additions and expansion to a larger venue because it did get a bit crowded in there. I would also love to see an inclusion of chocolate sculptures and showpieces. Thanks to everyone who came out in support of us and in support of St. Judes, we hope to see you again next year!

I’ve added a few additional photos below of things that caught my eye~

Almond Ganache Cake from Caju Catering

My favorite taste of the show, Yuzu-Macaroons from the Montage Laguna Beach. Tart lemon with a spicy kick, a great combo!

Stunning display from Candee By Sandee. I love apothecary jars, so dynamic!

Boo Bon-Bons from Choclatique, delish!

Beautifully decorated cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes.

So much indulgence many took some to-go!