They tasted different types of chocolate and learned about the uses of the fatty part of the chocolate, cocoa butter, which can be used for healing wounds without leaving a scar. The teens learned about the correct temperature for melting chocolate without burning it, used molds and made chocolate lollipops. They learned about truffles and how to make the balls and layers of different chocolates on the outside. They also began to discuss different methods of packaging - what appeals to people and works well.
For the final session, the primary focus was not about the quality of the product but instead emphasized presentation, packaging, options for sale locations, price etc. The teens had an enlightening conversation both reflecting on their previous experiences of preparing and selling an item (either at school, youth group, home etc) and how to make improvements based on new knowledge and experience. Our wonderful instructor and professional chocolatier, Morane, presented different thought-provoking scenarios and different struggles that she has faced in starting her own company. I believe the teens will be able to take these thoughts and ideas and apply them to many different scenarios in their individual lives.
To conclude the workshop, Morane brought scraps of chocolate left over from other items that the group had made throughout the course. As we ate fondue (with fruit) and brownies, we quickly realized that chocolate should never go to waste and chocolate “left-overs” can make something truly delicious.
The group of 18 kids is an equal mix of teens - with and without special needs - ages 17-21 years old. We did a "chocolate" icebreaker at our first meeting and then the teens worked in pairs and groups of threes each session. The atmosphere was comfortable and there was plenty of relaxed social interactions between all participants.
Being able to run this program, focusing not just on the product but also on the skills necessary to think through a product from start to finish is exactly the kind of real-life professional and vocational experience the teens need and we’re delighted to have had the assistance of the Ruderman Family Foundation to help make this part of the program possible.