Even Kakao Chocolate Makers Attend Boot Camps

St. Louis chocolate lovers could be in for some new treats.

Monica Tirre and Tracy Kodner, who both work for Kakao Chocolate in Maplewood, attended Chocolate Boot Camp in mid-February. The camp, which drew 23 other attendees (some as far away as Ecuador), was held in Joplin, MO.

"They came from all walks of chocolate," Tirre said. "Some that work in factories, some in the science aspect of chocolate, and people like us who are making it."

They even survived a blizzard to learn their craft. The late February winter storm hit Joplin with eight inches of snow.

“We woke up and there was no power,” Tirre said. “It was freezing.”

“We learned stuff like making truffles, ganache and molded chocolate clay roses,” Tirre said. They already knew how to make truffles and ganache, but roses made of chocolate could be something new for Kakao.

The boot camp is organized by Retail Confectioners International. Brian Pelletier, owner of Kakao, is an active member of the group.

The last day they reviewed, took a quiz and talked about “problem candies.” At the end, attendees received a certificate.

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