One of the things I love about the chocolate industry, is the opportunity to continue to learn and share tips, tricks and techniques among colleagues. Back in July, I spent time with a wonderful couple, Jack and Iva, owners of JaCiva’s in Portland. Jack is a Konditor and Charter Master Baker (one of the first in the United States). I was privileged to work a few days with them in their pastry and chocolate shop. During that time, I concentrated on their production techniques and variations on caramel corn, chocolate caramel, tulip cups, molded chocolate shells, pastries like cheesecake, and the list goes on.
The lessons I learned there are invaluable. Every shop is different and every craftsman has their specialty. It wasn’t just the hands-on experience either. They were willing to share life lessons with me in the hopes that I could move forward in the path of least resistance.
Thank you, Jack and Iva.
If you are ever in Portland, go to JaCiva’s and tell them I sent you!
And remember, life is too short to eat crappy chocolate!
Darcie
