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
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.
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
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.
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!
Every year, as the cold settles in and the world begins to glow with twinkling lights, my kitchen transforms into something of a winter atelier—a
The Art of Gifting Flavor, Elegance, and Joy The holidays bring with them a certain magic—a soft, shimmering hush in the air, like the opening
Have you ever unearthed a half-eaten chocolate bar, hidden behind pantry boxes or tucked away at the back of a drawer, and wondered, “Can
If you’re lactose intolerant or vegan, the question “does chocolate contain dairy?” will pop up. Chances are, you have a sweet tooth and enjoy the
Chocolate is defined as a suspension of cocoa solids and sugar (and sometimes milk powder) in cocoa butter. When it comes to tempering, the crystals
Valentine’s Day in Japan: Women Give Chocolate Giving chocolate on Valentine’s Day is not only an American tradition. As humans, we feel drawn to anything
