tasting the world through craft chocolate

Here, at the Wandering Chocoholic, you'll find some resources from my research about cacao and chocolate (since I'm from California, I've included links to some of California's chocolate history, and links to the history of chocolate and the US military):

about

In late October 2020, I decided I needed another hobby.

Compared with some, my hobbies are pretty subdued. I'm not an ambitious traveler, nor home chef, nor voracious reader. I volunteer, and dabble in crafting, reading, watching documentaries -- mostly non-committal hobbies. I'm also Mom to my Mini-Chocoholic (my 6-year-old daughter), Nerd Wife, and daughter to a Disabled Vietnam War Veteran, and Breast Cancer Survivor.

For as long as I can remember, I've been a history aficionado. When I was 9, I sent my self-addressed stamped envelope away for a Civil War bullet. I was fascinated with this bullet (real or not).

My high school US History teacher inspired me to pursue teaching US History. I majored in Social Science for my first degree, worked with high school teachers during my last semester in college, and decided teaching was not my calling.

In 2011, I started volunteering with Veterans Supportive Services Agency (VSSA), a non-profit based in San Jose, CA, that supports honorably discharged disabled US military veterans in filing for their disability compensation. Founded by my father, a Disabled Vietnam War Veteran, VSSA taught me more about US military history and my grandfathers' military service (both were WWII and Korean War Veterans; both Purple Heart recipients, one was a Ba'taan Death March survivor and POW). Knowing my grandfathers' service contributed to our country's past fueled my love of history.

Fast forward to today. I researched two hobbies: pursuing my second master's degree, focusing on World War II History, OR starting a craft chocolate education. Since you're reading this bio for the 'Wandering Chocoholic', you can guess which avenue I pursued.

I’ve started my formal cacao and craft chocolate education with the International Institute of Chocolate and Cacao Tasting (IICCT) and Ecole Chocolat. You’ll also find my resources throughout the Wandering Chocoholic.

As a Filipino-American woman who was born and raised in San Jose, CA, you’ll also find lists of chocolate makers and chocolatiers who are California-based, woman-owned, and Filipino-American.

Thank you for joining me on my journey,

Tiara, the Wandering Chocoholic