Fresh from the kitchen

CHRISTMAS GOODIES

You can be different  this time by going for home-made ones. There are a lot of women who are into making chocolates and baking cakes at home.

Though some of them make it for themselves and their family, some take limited orders from friends, relatives and neighbours during special occasions.

Health-wise too, these chocolates are highly preferred as they contain no preservative and artificial colouring agents.

And they are custom-made to suit the taste of a particular customer.

“I make three kinds of chocolates — dark, milk and white compound chocolates. According to the taste of an individual, I prepare semi-sweet, bitter sweet and sweet chocos. Anyone can prepare them at home with little concentration and care. Nowadays, the ingredients and materials are easily available in local markets like Sultanpet, Raja Market and Malleswaram. Some bakers too keep all these ingredients in their shops. A moderate
size choco slab can be purchased for just Rs 15 from these markets,” says Shruthi
K S, who loves making chocolates at home.

Apart from being a hobby, this can also be good business.

 “Today, people are more concerned about health issues. Home-made chocolates are healthier, hygienic and tastier. So, there is certainly a large market for home-made
chocolates, if one takes the business seriously,” she adds.

Mona Kalro, who has been involved in chocolate making for the last six years, says that it has helped her de-stress.

“I make all kinds of premium chocolates using almonds and pista. I love engaging myself in this work. I do a lot of shopping for it and like to learn new things. For this Christmas, I am preparing Pumpkin Pie, plum cakes and rum chocolates along with the usual stuff,” says Mona.

Those who want to gift chocolates can also have a lot of variety to choose from.
“Designed gift boxes are available in the market in all shapes and sizes. Bouquet-type gift bags and fancy boxes are very common. So, it is not difficult to make gift hampers. I have plenty of Christmas orders everyday and it is really nice to cater to varied tastes. Those interested can try their hands in making chocolates with the help of
Internet and recipe books.

It is not a tough task,” says Mona. However, as most of these women operate on a small scale, it is difficult for customers to find them.

“I would have ordered for home-made chocolates if I knew any one of them. As
they don’t want publicity, it is difficult to find them and place the orders,’’ says Amoolya Paul, a housewife.