EP 80: Valentines Edition: Exploring the Sweet Art of Chocolate with Rasha Younan
Special release Happy Valentines!
**Guest Bio:**
Rasha Younan is the owner and chocolatier of Bon Chocolats, where she crafts exquisite chocolate bonbons and confections using all-natural ingredients. An Architect by profession, Rasha's passion for chocolate led her to become a chocolatier, creating delectable treats that bring joy to many.
**Key Discussion Points:**
1. **Rasha's Background and Journey:**
- Transition from architect to chocolatier.
- The inspiration from childhood memories of enjoying imported chocolates in Egypt.
2. **Chocolate Making Process:**
- Introduction to chocolate tempering and flavor experimentation.
- The importance of using high-quality, natural ingredients without preservatives.
3. **The Birth of Bon Chocolats:**
- Origin and meaning of the name Bon Chocolats.
- The influence of European-inspired confections and Rasha's French language skills.
4. **Unique and Popular Flavors:**
- Creation and balance of flavors like pistachio, strawberry champagne, and cardamom vanilla.
- Importance of balancing sweetness and bitterness in chocolate.
5. **Customer Connection and Community:**
- Engaging with customers at artisan markets and through social media.
- The joy of sharing chocolate with others and receiving community support.
6. **Future Aspirations:**
- Expanding the product line and maintaining quality.
- Goals for a larger shop and sustainable packaging.
**Memorable Quotes:**
- "Chocolate is not necessarily candy; it's not full of sugar. You have to look at the ingredients and know where your chocolate comes from."
- "Balance is very important for me. When creating a new bonbon, I'm always looking to balance the flavors, not too sweet or too bitter."
**Advice for Aspiring Chocolatiers:**
- Gain a thorough understanding of chocolate and its properties.
- Experiment and practice consistently to improve skills.
- Seek professional training and continue learning.
- Find a mentor and taste a wide variety of chocolates to expand your palate.
**Listener Challenge:**
Try one of Rasha's unique flavors from Bon Chocolats and share your experience on social media. Tag @bonchocolats and @voice4chefs to let us know your favorite!
**Connect with Rasha Younan and Bon Chocolats:**
Instagram: @bon_chocolats
- **Email:** chocolat.seattle@gmail.com
Season2
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Owner & Chocolatier
My name is Rasha, I'm the owner and Chocolatier of Bon Chocolats. Chocolate is my passion, I thrive to create high quality chocolate bonbons and confections from finest ingredients, all natural ingredients with no preservative. I enjoy chocolate so much that I want to share it with people. I'm an architect by trade and a chocolatier by passion, starting my journey of chocolate making as a professional chocolatier has been one of the most fulfilling and interesting adventure of my life.
