Many people in the chocolate-making world—especially in North America—are familiar with John Nanci of Chocolate Alchemy. In one of his 2025 newsletters, he shared two ideas that deeply resonated with me.The first is a quotation from Constantin Brancusi:“Simplicity is complexity resolved.” The second reframes that idea more plainly:“Simplicity isn’t a shortcut—it’s a strategy.” John was writing in the context of roasting coffee, explaining that a simple approach respects the natural complexity of the coffee bean and preserves control over the process, rather than obscuring it with unnecessary variables. It’s a philosophy that applies just as clearly to chocolate making. At the end of 2023 and heading into 2024, we saw the cost of cacao skyrocket. So when The Toronto Star reported in 2024 that...
As we head into the final stretch before the holidays, I thought it would be fun to share something a little more personal: the treats our team can’t stop snacking on. DWN Chocolate is more than a one-woman show and behind every chocolate bar, tumble and salted caramel is an incredible group of women who craft, package and cheer on every product we create. So I asked them which DWN product is their ultimate favourite treat and here are their top picks. Starting off with everyone's favourite customer service representative is Jaz (aka my mom) who prefers any combination of nuts + chocolate. Jaz' choice is the caramelized milk chocolate macadamia nuts. Both the macadamia nuts and the milk powder in...
As a vendor at markets throughout Ontario, I have the privilege of meeting fellow makers and featuring their beautiful, Canadian-made products in my shop. This holiday season, discover thoughtful, locally made gifts all in one place. rich, buttery shortbread made in Barrie by Rich & Robbijars of gourmet jams and preserves made in Baysville by Yummies in a Jarwhole coffee beans roasted in Orillia by Mule Coffee and delicate tea blended by Sloane Tea from Torontoinfused honeys from The Heritage Bee Company or traditional honeys from Innisfil Creek Honeymaple syrup made from trees in Oro by Hutchinson Maple Syrupdouble-roasted flavoured nuts are made in Coldwater by Copperpot Nutsflavoured popcorn from Wild Kernel Popcorn is the newest addition to the lineupDIY cocktail infusion kits from Maiden Voyage (just add your favourite wine or spirit)hand-poured soy wax...
