Hans doesn’t like chocolate.

However, in 2011 Kirk and Dawn went on an adventure to Belgium. While there, they took a truffle making class. Hans sampled these on their return and thought, “hmm, that’s not that bad.” He was interested in the process and science behind chocolate making and read the book Chocolates & Confections by Peter Greweling. This inspired Hans and Kirk to attempt chocolate making in their home kitchen in Carlisle, England. That Christmas marked the first chocolate making expedition – an endeavor that has become a yearly tradition in our family.

Initially, they were trying to figure out the process – how the recipes worked and what techniques were required for success. As their skills and confidence grew, they began innovating with themes and flavors. In 2013 they created their first recipe from the ground up, trialing different recipes and eventually succeeding with a German Chocolate Cake truffle that was delicious! 2015 was the first theme year: “No Book” – they created all of the recipes themselves.

Hans and Kirk are still the brains and talent behind each year’s chocolates, but they also rely on a small group of “Chocolate Elves” that help out each year. These individuals graciously take time out of their busy lives to participate in ‘Chocolate Week’.

Hans still doesn’t really like chocolate, but he does like process, science, innovating, and sharing his creations with others.