making chocolates

This my amazing Grandma Richens. She makes chocolates. But not just any old chocolates. Hand dipped pieces of chocolate goodness from heaven. For those of you lucky enough to sample them, you know what I mean. I literally cannot eat another other chocolates that come in a box. Only hers will do. She has spent years perfecting this art. I am so happy I could be a part of it this year and spend some time with her doing something she loves.

These are the beginnings of what is to come. I believe these are the almond joy and cherry nut insides. The almond joys are unbelievable. I can't eat an Almond Joy candy bar now. They just can't compete.

Yes, that is her hand covered in chocolate! How divine! I took a turn to give her a break. It was the best time of my life. It is like finger painting for grown ups! It was lucky that I was good at dipping because I did it the rest of the day.

Surrounded by chocolate. Tons and tons of chocolate. My little vision of heaven.

The chocolate has to stay right around 80 degrees otherwise it gets too hard or too hot and when it cools it turns white. We can't have ugly chocolates!


The process from beginning to end.

My grandpa has always been my grandma's right hand man. For those of you who don't know he is a tough guy: still rides a motorcycle, snowboards, snow skis, water skis, goes camping, the usual grandpa stuff. But I love him best when he stands by my grandma and smiles and helps her do the the things she loves and needs help with. He is not below putting sprinkles on the chocolates and I love him for it!

Oh my mother! How I love her! My grandma and my mom are two of the strongest women I know. They have overcome so much in their own lives and they are always there with support and love when I need them. I have a lot to learn from them.

Taking a pizza break. He bought the garlic chicken pizza just for me because I told him it sounded good and I like things spicy.

The end.