Pacific Cacao & Chocolate 2022​

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This one was a biggie for me. I competed in the Youth cacao innovators competition showcasing Pacific cacao - 76%, hosted at Mount Smart Stadium in Taamaki. The winner of this competition would receive a week’s trip to Samoa at Taumeasina Island Resort, touring cacao plantations on the island and training with expert chocolatier Tom Hilton that could potentially lead to an apprenticeship.

 

I presented nine BonBons, Kawakawa and horopito infused duck fat ganache with a strawberry center and one plated dish

 

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76% flexi chocolate ganache with mandarin segments and gel, half roasted hazelnuts, hazelnut sponge and crumb, finished with pieces of chocolate tuile. I couldn’t have done it without the support of some amazing people. Arno Sturny, my mentor and teacher. My family who came to support and my partner Trent who has been supportive of this dream since day dot.

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Reiko, my friend and fellow contestant who is just so talented, I am honoured to have stood beside her. The Maessen family who I met working as a waitress - Paul who gave me my first mini chocolate lessons and Whitney who gave me the inspiration for this plated dessert. A dessert that will also be featured in a three course winter series banquet, held at AUT for 200 guests.

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I’m proud of this one,

A true labour of love.

Samoa in 2023