In the world of chocolate making, some creations are born from careful planning, while others emerge from pure creative spontaneity. Our Lamb Skewer bar definitely falls into the latter category – and it all started in a home kitchen.
Here's a fun fact that might surprise you: the very first Lamb Skewer bar wasn't born in our professional workshop – it came to life in Mark's home kitchen! Yes, you read that right. Just like you might have a toaster and mixer in your kitchen, we chocolate makers often have small melangers and winnovers at home. (It's an occupational hazard, really. Once you start making chocolate, it's hard to stop!)
This bar holds a special place in our hearts because it's more than just chocolate – it's a memory transformed. Twenty years ago, when Mark first arrived in Beijing, his very first meal was a lamb skewer from a street vendor. That moment, that flavor profile, left such an unforgettable impression that it eventually inspired this unique creation.
The crafting of this bar is all about precision timing. We carefully choreograph when each spice enters the mix, as this directly impacts how the flavors unfold when you taste it. The cumin and chili pepper need to be introduced at just the right moments to create that perfect sequence of flavor development – a sequence that somehow manages to capture the essence of a lamb kebab without containing any meat at all.
I'll be honest: this is one of those polarizing creations that people either absolutely love or... well, let's say they have strong opinions about it! And that's exactly what makes it such a fantastic conversation piece. When someone tries it for the first time, you can see their expression change from curiosity to surprise, and then either pure joy or entertaining bewilderment. It's exactly the kind of unexpected delight we love to create at KESSHŌ.
If you're looking for something to surprise someone this holiday season – something that will definitely get people talking – this is your bar. It challenges what people think chocolate can be, and isn't that what great food is all about?
Whether you're a culinary adventurer or just curious about pushing the boundaries of chocolate, both these bars represent what we love most about chocolate making: the ability to capture memories, moments, and cultural experiences in a single bite. They're more than just chocolate bars – they're stories you can taste, and we're just happy to be the storytellers.