Italian Chocolate factory

This was another field trip or Gita (Tour) with my Italian class. It was likely the tastiest field trip I have ever been on. Naples is not famous for its chocolate, in fact Italy doesn't rank as high as Belgium, or Switzerland for its chocolate. However this family owned chocolate factory is well known right here in Naples.

From the time we walked through the door they started feeding us chocolate.All of the flavors they had and cups of melted chocolate to eat with a spoon. It was quickly a sweet over load.

Each step they took in this factory was with hand made, or careful watched to be sure the machines acuratly accomplished the jobs that in the past have all been done 100% by hand.

 This is a white sugar coating to put on the drunk cherries. This is exactly what this factory is famous for. The cherries are soaked in liquor for an entire year and then dipped in the sugar coating. Once the coating dries it is then dipped in dark chocolate. The ladies in the group seemed to really enjoy them.

 We were able to watch start to finish them making these Punchinello chocolates filled with a coffee flavor. Punchinello is this comedy mask like clown that is somewhat the symbol for happiness despite what life may throw at you here in Naples.

 This is Turronne Which is a lovely fudge covered in a thick chocolate. We ate something like this in Spain, but was tastier here and fresh!  Of course the Italian teacher said it originated in Italy and the Spaniards stole it, but that to be expected for her to say!

 These a little bits of lemon cello flavors candies that will be covered in chocolate in the next few minutes. Lemon cello is a famous alcoholic drink from Sorento here on the Amalfi coast.

I think what I am trying to say, is that, while Naples isn't all that famous for chocolate, if you want some strong liquor chocolate .... Naples is the place to find it....

It was fun to see all of the machines and the process of making all of the treats. The family owned operation was fun to visit and the grandpa kept brining us more chocolate. They were very proud of their business and loved working together. It was really great!