In July 2023, my brother and sister-in-law invited me to join them for a well-deserved getaway in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. As gracious hosts, they planned a variety of activities, including day trips for snorkeling, visiting the botanical gardens, souvenir shopping, and, most importantly, a chocolate truffle workshop at the ChocoMuseo.

During the workshop, we learned about the history of chocolate and the entire process from harvest to production. We had the opportunity to handle local cacao pods and taste chocolates made with varying percentages of pure cacao beans. We also practiced the art of making bonbons by tempering chocolate and carefully filling each with luscious chocolate ganache. After making bonbons, we also worked in teams to create beautifully flavored truffles with many options for flavors and spices. Our wonderful instructor guided us through each step of making filled chocolates, answering all our questions along the way.  Honestly, I had the time of my life and left that magical place with the beginnings of a plan.