My Garage Chocolate Factory: Where Indulgence Meets Purpose
When you think of a chocolate factory, you probably imagine a big shiny building with rows of machines.
But mine is very different.
My chocolate factory lives in my garage. It started back in 2009, when I built most of the machines myself. I used parts from washing machines, ovens, and even vacuum cleaners. It took about a year of hard work and lots of trial and error, but slowly the machines came together. For three years this little garage was alive with the smell of roasting cocoa beans.
Later, life took me in another direction and the garage became just a garage again.
But six months ago, I decided to bring it all back. I dusted off the old machines, repaired what I could, and re-started this little dream.
How It Works
Here’s what happens inside my garage today:
- Roasting – I use two converted Whirlpool ovens to roast cocoa beans and nuts. They’re controlled by a computer system that lets me monitor the heat carefully.
- Cracking & Winnowing – Cocoa beans have a husk that needs to come off. I built a winnower that uses a small mill and a vacuum cleaner to separate the husk from the nibs.
- Grinding & Refining – The heart of my factory are three melangers. They’re built from washing machine drums and granite stones. These machines grind cocoa or nuts for days, turning them silky smooth.
- Tempering & Depositing – Finally, I have a custom-built tempering and depositing machine. It lets me make batches of chocolate quickly and evenly.
Every machine has a story. Every part was repurposed. And together, they can make chocolate and nut butters from raw beans and nuts — all in a small garage.
Why It Matters
This little factory isn’t just about chocolate. For me, it’s about combining indulgence with purpose.
- Chocolate should taste amazing — smooth, rich, and indulgent.
- But it can also be more than a treat. With the right mix of nuts, cocoa, and natural ingredients, it becomes fuel for endurance, focus for work, and support for everyday wellness.
That’s why I see this garage as more than a workshop. It’s a place where I can create foods that help people live fully — whether you’re hiking a trail, riding a bike, working a long day, or simply enjoying a quiet moment with something sweet.
The Journey Ahead
Right now, I’m experimenting and testing new recipes. Some will become nut butters, others energy bars, and some will stay as pure bean-to-bar chocolate.
This journey is about sharing the story, the process, and the products that come from this small space.
If you’d like to follow along, subscribe and join me as I take this garage back into full production. It’s going to be an adventure — and it all starts here, where indulgence meets purpose.
