With chocolate a perennial favorite for gift giving, the holidays are hectic for Hedonist. This year, Jennifer has created a special collection of truffles that include Champagne Pomegranate, Egg Nog, Fig, Ginger Molasses, and Orange Clove.Thyme-pepper-pistachio-chocolate truffle, anyone?

A fascination with flavor and a love of sensuality have fed a singular vision for this Rochester couple. And their dream has grown into a most decadent business: Handmade chocolate treats.

Every one, a work of art.

Jennifer and Zahra launched Hedonist Artisan Chocolates in 2007—Jennifer as its full-time chief crafter and Zahra as its part-time marketing whiz. Tucked down an alley in the South Wedge neighborhood, their cozy kitchen-lab serves as factory, headquarters and tasting room.

“When we moved to Rochester, we saw the opportunity to bring our interests together when we realized that the city lacked an artisan chocolate company,” Jennifer says.

Zahra, who works full time as an Interaction Designer for Xerox Corporation, says the pair had often dreamed of starting a small business.

Zahra, left, and Jennifer.“Jennifer has always had an interest in making food and experimenting with flavors,” Zahra says.

And experiment, she does—blending chocolate into truffles of Coconut Curry, Orange Chipotle, Raspberry Wasabi, and yes, Thyme Pepper Pistachio.

“Inspiration for our truffles and bark often comes from the savory foods we enjoy at home and dining out,” Jennifer says.

Much of her experience comes from being in the kitchen and playing with varied ingredients to see what will happen. But working part time for an artisan chocolatier in California in 1999 opened up a new world of techniques and flavors for Jennifer.

When she and Zahra decided to go into business, Jennifer formalized her chocolate education at Ecole Chocolat.

So. About the name Hedonist.

A few years back, as they prepared to launch, Jennifer and Zahra were struggling to come up with an identity that would capture their attitude and style. Around that time, in a phone conversation with her Aunt Carol, Zahra was describing her latest travel and food adventures with Jennifer, when everything suddenly clicked.

“Aunt Carol, whose lifestyle is quite different from ours, responded by affectionately referring to us as 'a couple of hedonists,'” Zahra says.

Chocolate-dipped orange peel.“It was perfect. A hedonist is someone whose life is devoted to the pursuit of sensual pleasures,” she says.

“We find our bliss in chocolate, and help others do the same.”

Amen and pass the wasabi.

 

See more: hedonistchocolates.com

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