Chocolate – the mere mention of it conjures up a sensation of pleasure and bliss to one’s mind. It’s of no surprise then, that the literal translation of chocolate’s main ingredient – cacao (Theobroma) means “food of the Gods”.
For most people, experiencing the taste of fine chocolate is indeed a heavenly affair.
A Boston based chocolatier by the name of Andi Wolfgang seeks to create just that, a chocolate treat that is heaven to your taste buds, yet wholesome and healthy for you. Much like the chocolatier – Vianne Rocher, in the 2000 film “Chocolat” starring Johnny Depp, Andi seeks to bring joy to her customers, with her appreciation and love of chocolate.
For much of history, chocolate was a delicacy of the elite, originally consumed as a rather bitter cacao drink, with the purpose of having medicinal and aphrodisiacal benefits.
However since the times of the Mayans and the Spanish conquistadors, chocolate (or as the Aztecs referred to it- xocalatl), has evolved into the sweet, delicious concoction that we are all too familiar with, and the cacao bean has found a better suited purpose, other than a form of currency, in bestowing upon us – Boston’s favorite beverage – coffee! Can you say, “Dunkins, anyone?”
Yet Boston’s history with chocolate is more deeply rooted than most are aware. Chocolate made its debut in the United States in the 1760’s, when an Irish chocolatier – John Hannan imported cocao beans right into Dorchester, Massachusetts. With the help of a local American – Dr. Walter Baker, they established the first chocolate mill, creating the now famous BAKER’S chocolate.
At any rate, chocolate is no longer just for the elite and aside from being readily available to anyone’s content, it comes specially made in an ample variety to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Nonetheless, one can rarely escape the guilt or health repercussions of over-consuming this sweet treat, as is often done. Can you really have just one bite?! Which brings me back to Andi, a young woman entrepreneur, who has made her love for chocolate a full-time job, backed by a passion to bring us a deliciously decadent chocolate product, without the feeling of guilt.
She sets out to achieve this by offering an alternative to the highly processed, dairy and sugar based fudge we are so accustomed to.
Nu-Fudge is a new way to eat fudge and enjoy chocolate.
It’s made with wholesome, plant-based ingredients: organic cashew butter, local honey, and organic sourced cacao from Peru, rendering it dairy- free, soy-free, gluten free, as well as free of additives and preservatives.
Too good to be true?
Well, it’s not.
Her delectable line of chocolate products include: fudge ganache, chocolate truffles, and chocolate pies, including special orders.
Chocolate has been Andi’s passion for some time now, a 10-15 year journey that started in a Tokyo apartment in Japan, resulting in the current base recipe for her fudge ganache.
One might say the love of chocolate is in Andi’s genes, as it was known for Andi’s grandmother to satisfy her pregnancy cravings with spoons of cocoa powder.
After adopting a vegan lifestyle, Andi’s love for chocolate turned into a quest to create something more nutritious yet still maintain the sweet, indulgent tastiness that is synonymous with chocolate.
Upon returning to Boston, Andi decided to devote her time to establishing a chocolate line of products ( based on that original recipe). She rented time from a shared kitchen and thus proceeded to establish Nu-Fudge. With Andi’s strong initiative and an aptitude for business, along with support from organizations such as BBW (Boston Business Women), Pepperlane, and other local small business owners of like pursuits, Andi has found her niche and clientele base here in the boroughs of Boston.
Besides creating yummy, nutritious chocolate desserts, Andi, who is also a trained nutritionist, enjoys spreading knowledge of the truly magnificent benefits of chocolate, specifically that of cacao.
It’s been no secret within the health industry that incorporating unprocessed cocoa has immense benefits.
Most of Andi’s chocolate products are 40% cocoa, yielding high nutritional benefits in addition to pleasing your sweet tooth.
A 2016 study from the University of S. Australia found that “people who eat chocolate at least once a week tend to perform better cognitively”, due to the brain boosting chemicals- cocoa flavanols and methylxanthines (plant compounds), which increase blood flow to the brain and enhance concentration.
And just in case you are still not convinced, it has forty times more anti-oxidant power than that of blueberries, it’s rich in magnesium for heart health, and it’s the best source of plant derived iron. As a bonus, it acts like a natural antidepressant by releasing endorphins and reducing cortisol levels, which in turn lowers stress and blood pressure. It’s no wonder then as to why it serves as the ultimate to-go-to comfort food in times of happiness, despair, or just because.
Really, is there ever a bad time to indulge yourself with chocolate?!
If you are eager to try out Andi’s hand-made, rich chocolate desserts that delight your taste buds and are truly “good” for you, you can order off her website at www.eatnufudge.com, and visit her at Juicygreens Juice Bar & Café (61 South Street, Jamaica Plain), or at Roslindale’s Farmer’s Market every Saturday.
To feast your eyes in the glory of all things- chocolate, as well as find out the latest product offerings and recipes , follow Andi Wolfgang on Facebook and Instagram at – eatnufudge
by: Bea Krason
