Here at Forté Chocolate, we believe chocolate is a universal language—one that brings joy, beauty, and connection. Around our kitchen, you’ll often hear us say, “You can’t complain with a truffle in your mouth!” And as Chef Karen always reminds us, “Life is as beautiful as you make it.” We pour that belief into every handcrafted piece of luxury chocolate we create. Making luxury chocolate advice is often asked of her, so much so, she started this blog to share her thoughts and expertise with you.
For more than 4,000 years, chocolate has been woven into human culture—from ancient Mesoamerica to today’s world of artisan craftsmanship. It’s no wonder people everywhere want to learn how to temper chocolate, explore craft chocolate bars, and discover the perfect luxury chocolate gifts for the people they love.
One thing hasn’t changed:
Chocolate = Happiness
A Pioneer in the Artisan Chocolate Movement
Karen Neugebauer, owner and Master Chocolatier of Forté Chocolate, shares her experience on all things chocolate! With nearly 20 years of experience and quoted as “changing the face of white chocolate in America” by the Wall Street Journal, given a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Northwest Chocolate Festival, and being one of the highest awarded chocolatiers in the world (International Chocolate Awards), Chef Karen is an unparalleled resource for all things chocolate. If you need guidance, inspiration, or chocolate advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to us—we love helping chocolate lovers elevate their craft.
Explore the World of Luxury Chocolate
Here, you’ll find answers to your chocolate questions along with expert guidance from a nationally recognized artisan chocolatier. Our blog covers:
Gourmet truffle and flavor pairings
Chocolate-making tutorials and tempering tips
Artisan and craft chocolate making techniques
Luxury chocolate gift ideas for every occasion
Behind-the-scenes insights from the Forté kitchen
Seasonal inspiration and elevated dessert ideas
- Explore chocolate ingredients and chocolate definitions
Every article is designed to expand your chocolate knowledge, enrich your gifting experience, and help you savor chocolate in ways that surprise and delight. Whether you’re a curious beginner, a passionate home chocolatier, or a connoisseur of premium chocolate, you’ll find something inspiring within.
Join the Forté Chocolate Community
For daily inspiration, visit us on Instagram and join thousands of chocolate lovers who share their creativity with us. Tag us in your chocolate creations, gift moments, and kitchen triumphs — we truly love seeing what you make with chocolate!
What is Chocolate Made Of?
What is Chocolate Made of? To many, chocolate simply arrives in a colorful wrapper ready for blissful enjoyment. But what goes into making chocolate? You
Types of Chocolate: Just The Basics
Here are the answers to the most common questions when determining if you bar should be tossed or devoured. Just keep in mind that this info is strictly for solid chocolate bars, not truffles or any other chocolate products.
How is baking chocolate different from eating chocolate?
Here are the answers to the most common questions when determining if you bar should be tossed or devoured. Just keep in mind that this info is strictly for solid chocolate bars, not truffles or any other chocolate products.
Hot Cocoa, hot chocolate, or sipping chocolate… Is there a difference?
Here are the answers to the most common questions when determining if you bar should be tossed or devoured. Just keep in mind that this info is strictly for solid chocolate bars, not truffles or any other chocolate products.

Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to the most common questions on chocolate preparation, chocolate bars, truffles, dark chocolate or many other chocolate products.