How does one get into the chocolate business?

The first time that a child reads (or is read) Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, they wonder “How do I get the keys to my own sweet shop?” I was no exception. Chocolate in particular was the quickest and easiest way to my heart … and maybe take another bite of those “yucky veggies.”

I got my first job in the culinary world at the age of 13. Now over 20 years later, I am still loving making food and feeding people. I graduated from the Culinary Institute of America, with a degree in Baking and Pastry (yes, that is a real degree.) My time there was filled with good food and learning from world class chefs the skills and techniques necessary to satisfy the most refined palettes. Also … for those who are wondering, pastry school is more like the Great British Bake Off than Hell's Kitchen.

Initially, I thought I was going to be a bread baker, focusing on perfecting bread, bagels, and other morning goodies. But, my love for chocolate never waivered. I found myself drawn to chocolate and fell into chocolate work and truffle making head-first; a la Augustus Gloop in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. 

I was born and raised here in Berkshire county. Raised with seasons, going to Tanglewood, gardens in the backyard, and all manner of culture … and as a teen I couldn’t wait to leave. After culinary school and a decade of working in Maryland, I decided to move back, for a month or two, so I could figure out where to jump to next. Then, the pandemic happened. I was forced to stay in the Berkshires longer than I anticipated… and all the things I had disliked about the Berkshires as a kid/teen were now why I loved being home; as well as being able to see my family with a 20-30 minute drive rather than 12 times that length of time. Another thing that I now appreciate about the Berkshires is the diversity of farmers, producers, brewers, and distillers that are here. This is a foodie’s paradise! Truffles by Tarah LLC was founded on the idea of unique chocolate truffle flavors using the bounty of the Berkshire Hills.   

When I’m not elbow deep in chocolate, I am thinking of new flavors, eating all the best that the Berkshires has to offer, spending time with my sweet dog Mooki, or with my supportive and loving family and friends.

Truffles by Tarah LLC is the reality created from my lifelong dream,

being handed the keys to a chocolate shop.