Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

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. We also practiced the art of making bonbons by tempering chocolate and carefully filling each one with luscious ganache. Afterward, we worked in teams to create beautifully flavored truffles, choosing from a wide range of flavors and spices. Our wonderful instructor guided us through each step of making filled chocolates and answered 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.