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The Journal

Notes, voyages, recipes and conversations. Published when the house has something to say — two to three times a month.
Black Obsidian Pearl bonbons with a red stripe on wood with glass beads
◆ Guides Oct. MMXXVI Reading · 3 min

Bonbons as a Christmas gift: how to choose

Six bonbons, two sizes, one deadline. What to think about before choosing a box of bonbons as a Christmas gift — and when to order by.

◆ By Joana Marinho · Read the essay →
Chef Joana Marinho and Chef Rui Lopes on the Prove Leiria Doçaria stage
◆ Atelier Oct. MMXXVI

The Winter Ember at Prove Leiria

The live Winter Ember demonstration at Prove Leiria Doçaria, on 11 October, in Mercado de Sant’Ana: around 80 bonbons given away, and many people coming back for more.

Chef Joana Marinho live on the Prove Leiria Doçaria stage, under the banner «Demonstração · Chef Joana Marinho · Delicious Diamonds»
◆ Atelier Oct. MMXXVI

Delicious Diamonds at Prove Leiria Doçaria

A live demonstration of «Winter Ember» — Sunday, 11 October, at 2:30 pm, at Mercado de Sant'Ana, Leiria.

Chef Joana Marinho and João Baião at the table on SIC's Casa Feliz
◆ Atelier Sep. MMXXVI

The Chef on SIC: «Winter Ember» on Casa Feliz

Chef Joana Marinho was on SIC’s «Casa Feliz» with João Baião — and brought the chestnut bonbon that won in Spain.

Four chestnut-shaped Winter Ember bonbons with a white tip, on slate
◆ Atelier Sep. MMXXVI

Where to catch the Chef: SIC on the 23rd, Leiria on the 11th

Two dates: the Chef on SIC’s «Casa Feliz» on 23 September, and a live demonstration at Prove Leiria Doçaria, Mercado de Sant’Ana, on 11 October.

Chef Joana Marinho with two presenters in the TVI studio
◆ Atelier Sep. MMXXVI

The Chef on TVI: a morning spent explaining chocolate

On 9 September, Chef Joana Marinho was on TVI’s «Bom dia Alegria». Twelve minutes to tell the maison’s story, show the bonbons and explain the process — what a shop window rarely has room for.

A Winter Ember bonbon cut in half beside a whole one, on a dark background
◆ Atelier Aug. MMXXVI

“Winter Ember” reaches the boutique

The bonbon that won in A Coruña is now on sale — as a coffret of sixteen, or piece by piece in Bespoke.

First prize certificate, sweet recipe, Cociña con Castaña de Galicia 2026 contest
◆ Atelier Jul. MMXXVI

“Winter Ember” wins in Coruña

The maison’s chestnut bonbon won the XVI Cociña con Castaña de Galicia — in a live final, against Portugal and Spain.

Chocolate egg decorated with rose petals and pistachio, on a white background
◆ Guides Jul. MMXXVI

How to choose a luxury chocolate gift

A short guide from the maison: what makes a chocolate gift truly special — and how to get it right, from the occasion to the last bonbon.

Yellow and orange cacao pods growing on a cacao tree
◆ Origins Jul. MMXXVI

What is single-origin chocolate

Why the cacao's address changes everything — and how to taste it in the first bite.

Assorted bonbons: faceted, oval with pistachio and gold-dusted, on white
◆ Guides Jul. MMXXVI

Bonbon, praline or truffle? The differences

Bonbon, praline, truffle: three words used interchangeably — and what each one actually means, from the shell to the filling.

Black teardrop bonbons on a wooden board beside a red heart
◆ Guides Jul. MMXXVI

How to store fine chocolate

Cool, dry, out of the light — and out of the fridge. The simple rules that protect the flavour.

Milk chocolate bonbons with a swirled top and a red detail, on wood
◆ Pairings Jul. MMXXVI

Chocolate and Port wine: how to pair

The golden rule and three sure pairs — from Tawny to Vintage, milk to dark.

Chef Joana Marinho in a Delicious Diamonds apron making bonbons at the São Pedro festival demonstration kitchen in Porto de Mós
◆ Atelier Jul. MMXXV

The Chef at the São Pedro festival in Porto de Mós

A live showcooking at the Azeite Morgado Demonstration Kitchen, at the São Pedro festival in Porto de Mós.

The Journal by email

Once a month, news from the atelier.

On the 1st of each month, what was written in the Journal and where to find the Chef in the weeks ahead. Never more than that.

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