I felt like a school girl skipping along to Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. The difference was I had not won ‘The Golden Ticket’  but the good news was it was a gift swap arranged by Vanessa Kimbell and was to be held at the wonderful Rococo’s Chocolate Factory in London!! Woooooo. On entering the factory, the aroma was sensational along with the most welcoming of staff. Now I know what you are thinking, so I will clear this up now. There were no ompalumpas in sight. Slightly gutted and I did look everywhere, but I was not let down at all.

Chantal Coady is not only the marvel behind Rococo, she is also a huge inspiration, she was to me. So kind, thoughtful, incredibly creative and inspirational. Chantal had arranged for us to have a masterclass with her most wonderful chocolatier, Barry.

Barry was clued up and made us feel welcome. He answered all our questions and taught us the art of tempering chocolate and making truffles with goats cheese, Divine!!

After our masterclass which I will say was fabulous, are gifts were judges by Lucas Hollweg and Sophie Conran. Great judges and well deserving winners!!

After our visit I left with a bag full of incredible chocolate, milk and white and Chantal Coady’s new
book Rococo, Mastering the art of Chocolate. This book is full or recipes that can be replicated at home. Special chocolate recipes with a difference from champagne truffles to grenada rum cake. One of my favourite and much enjoyed books of the year. Thank you Chantal.

Carmela x