Makers Series 2: Askinosie Chocolate

Askinosie Chocolate was founded in 2007 in Springfield, USA, by Shawn Askinosie, who left his job as a criminal defense lawyer to pursue his love of chocolate. The company has an articulated commitment to fairness, sustainability, minimal environmental impact and community enhancement and offers direct-trade chocolate from the Philippines, Ecuador and Tanzania. In this episode, Shawn shares his insights on transitioning from a career in law to working with chocolate, the two-year process Askinosie undertakes when finding a new origin, and their many inspiring successes with humanitarian programs. Please join us in tasting the 72% Mababu Tanzania Dark Chocolate bar. Learn more at theslowmelt.com. For more information on Askinosie, head to their website (www.askinosie.com), and use code “slowmelt” for a 15% discount on the 72% Mababu Tanzania Dark Chocolate bar from now through October 15, 2017. You can also purchase an exclusive bar bundle, including all nine bars featured in the Makers Series, at Chocolopolis (in the U.S.; use code “slowmelt” for a 15% discount), and find most of the bars in a subscription box by Bean Bar You (in Australia). This episode is brought to you with the kind support of these sponsors: - Chocolate Alchemy: Supplier of the largest selection of fine flavor cocoa beans, chocolate-making equipment and volumes of free chocolate-making information. Use code "slowmelt" at chocolatealchemy.com to receive 10% off any retail cocoa beans. - Rottar Grinders: Chocolate grinders designed and built by a chocolate maker in the USA. Learn more at www.rottar.com. - Cacao Cucina: Reliable and rugged chocolate-making machinery built in the USA. Use code "SlowMelt10" at cacaocucina.com/contact-us for a 10% discount through September 1. - Blue Apron: $30 off your first order with free shipping at blueapron.com/chocolate.Soundtrack: "Soldier" by The Slackers. Hear more at theslackers.com.