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THE SWEET LIFE
Appeal to their senses with a gift of luxurious hand-crafted chocolates. Here, we meet the Irish woman making festive gifting a real treat, chocolatier Gráinne Mullins.
As a pastry chef with over 10 years of experience and winner of the Euro-Toques Young Chef of the Year 2019 Award, Gráinne Mullins turned to chocolate during lockdown for a sense of comfort. “It was the combination of flavours, textures and most importantly colours that inspired me to work with chocolate,” says Gráinne. “I discovered the possibilities were endless.” But this pastime lead to the creation of a new business. “I made hand-painted Easter eggs for all of my friends and family and they were a big hit,” she says. Fast forward to July 2020 and Grá Chocolates was officially born.
Created and crafted in small batches by Gráinne and her team in Co. Galway, each chocolate is meticulously made and painted by hand. Combining the finest raw ingredients with native Irish flavours, it’s little wonder why Grá Chocolates have become such a sought after gift.
Gráinne Mullins, of Grá Chocolates, in her Galway kitchen making a fresh batch of chocolates.
When and how did your relationship with food first begin?
“Great family cooking was a part of my childhood. I grew up in Galway with a love and respect for good food and a family who allowed us to embrace our passions. Setting foot in a commercial kitchen as a teenager only deepened my connection with food and I began to work part-time in the pastry section of restaurants. I spent all of my spare time in the kitchen and enjoyed every second of it.
I interrupted my science degree to move to France, and I spent two years working in a Michelin-starred restaurant in Aix-en-Provence. Eventually cooking won out over science and I followed my heart. I then returned home to work in pastry for many of Ireland’s leading kitchens, and I was the winner of the prestigious 2019 Euro-Toques Young Chef of the Year. Channelling my skills, artistry and joy I have learned from some of the country’s most talented chefs.”
It took many months of planning and organisation to bring Grá Chocolates to life. It has been the most fantastic year and seeing so many people across the world enjoying their very own Grá Chocolates has been a dream come true.
How would you describe a typical day in the world of Grá?
“At Grá HQ, our day starts with turning on the chocolate tempering machines to get our chocolate melting and delicious. We melt 12kg of chocolate at a time and this will often need to be refilled about three times a day! We paint our chocolate moulds and then get them filled with the tempered chocolate.
One of my own favourite jobs is the packing, it’s so soothing and we have a really great flow system in place to make sure it is as efficient as possible. Packing the orders is really important. We take care with every order and we even handwrite each personal note. I love the tiny little touches so we think about every step in order to give the customer the best possible experience.”
Perfectly packaged: Christmas Spirit Bauble made using forceful dark chocolate and painted with a vibrant festive green colour. Crack open to discover slightly smokey Connemara whiskey fudge pieces with candied orange.
Do you have the best job in the world?
“Of course! There are very few people who get to wake up every morning and start into a day's work surrounded by all things chocolate. I am a very lucky girl because I am so passionate about food and I have built my career around that. I love the fun artistic side and most importantly the challenge of creating new and exciting flavours. People often don’t believe me when I tell them I make chocolates for a living.”
I wanted to create something that was both beautiful to look at but also delicious. I wanted to create a mouthful of excitement and do this by using the best of Irish ingredients.
What sets Grá Chocolates apart from the rest?
“Our focus is on the exciting fillings as well as the striking hand-painted shells. I wanted to create something that was both beautiful to look at but also delicious. I wanted to create a mouthful of excitement and do this by using the best of Irish ingredients. Presentation is so important to what we do at Grá Chocolates. Every detail has been thought about to ensure that the customer receives the best possible experience when they buy a box of Grá Chocolates.”
The Perfect Gift: Hand-painted crescent chocolates with festive fillings, these Under The Mistletoe treats feature a spiced orange gel that pairs beautifully with the smooth chocolate ganache inside. On the outside, a dark chocolate shell cuts through the sweetness of the orange, creating a beautifully balanced orange chocolate treat.
We realise you’re biased, but why do you think chocolate makes the perfect gift?
“I am absolutely biased, but chocolate definitely is the perfect gift! Grá Chocolates are presented in such beautiful packaging that it makes the receiver feel special. I love a food gift and I think most people do. It’s impossible not to smile when you’re given chocolate!”
If you had to pick only one flavour of chocolate to eat for the rest of your life, what flavour would it be?
“It would have to be mint!! Mint is still my favourite chocolate I’ve created. It was one of the very first ones that I came up with and I always find myself going back for ‘quality control’.”
Classic Hot Chocolate reimagined: Made using Grá Chocolates' signature milk chocolate, this classic 35% Hot Chocolate is not too rich and not too sweet. It pairs perfectly with the warmed milk of your choice and each box is packed with real chocolate and a few secret ingredients.
It’s impossible not to smile when you’re given chocolate!
How big of a role does food play in your Christmas celebrations?
“Food is so important in my family. The main part of our Christmas Day is preparing the dinner. We always have way too many side dishes and an extortionate amount of food, but that is what makes it so special. From a young age, we would help my mum make the Christmas cake and pudding at the start of December. We each took turns mixing the cake with the wooden spoon and we each got to make a wish while we did it. We prepare as much as possible on Christmas Eve and the turkey and ham are always the stars of the show. The leftover sandwiches are the best sandwich of the year!”
Something Sweet: In these Winter Wonderland delights, the smoothest white chocolate is carefully paired with the sharpness of cranberry. A hint of star anise brings a winter warmth to these luxurious chocolates.
Chocolate has been sneaking its way into many savoury dishes on restaurant menus lately. Any combinations you’d particularly recommend trying at home?
“I love using chocolate with savoury dishes. Chocolate works really well with red meats. If you start by adding a small amount to your gravy or jus, it will really add an extra dimension to the sauce. Also, adding some to a slow-cooked stew is absolutely stunning. My favourite meat to pair with chocolates is definitely venison.”
Food aside, what are your favourite things about the holidays?
“I love Christmas time as it means family coming back together and going to visit all of my relatives. I love how Christmas brings everyone together and it is full of smiles and happiness.”
What’s in store for Grá Chocolates this Christmas?
“We have come up with new flavours for our festive selection box, our chocolate baubles are returning and a giant chocolate heart that has been made with the flavours of a mince pie.”
Grá Chocolates is available to shop in-store and online.
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