Chocolate Love

RVA Makers explores a new handcrafted art form during a monthly rotating happy hour event open to the public.  The forums allow artisans to showcase anything from woodworking to forging.  And last week's event was all about... chocolate!

Kelly Walker of Chocolates By Kelly opened up her new Church Hill boutique for the evening.  This storefront marks her second location in Richmond with the first located within Forest Hill's Taza Coffee 'N Creme.

Walker gave a live demo to a crowded room explaining that she comes from a long-line of confectioners.  It was almost a decade ago when she left a sales job to explore her talent professionally.

Her passion was apparent as she shared food science facts on melting points, emulsification and flavor profiles while crafting truffles for the audience. "I like being challenged," she said when someone once told her it was too much trouble to make vegan-friendly confections (her Cherry Pomegranate Truffle and Blanchard's Coffee Truffles are two of her most popular).

Walker opens up her kitchen to classes to continue sharing what she has learned over the years.  By taking us through her process, we all left with a new appreciation for her chocolate and her craft.

Chocolates By Kelly is located at 600 N. 29th St., Richmond, VA and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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