dedicated to sharing the heart & craft of making small batch bean to bar chocolate

our online workshop

The Next Batch Chocolate School was created by a longtime craft chocolate maker with a passion for accessible, hands-on learning.

Our focus is the craft of small-batch bean to bar chocolate that can be made at home, in a small kitchen or craft chocolatory, with approachable instruction so that students of all skill levels can succeed—from curious beginners to experienced makers looking to refine their craft.

The online Bean to Bar ChocolateCraft Workshop provides exactly what our first-hand experience as a chocolate maker has shown us is needed most: real-life insights, how-to techniques, and advice.

Practical Bean-to-Bar Skills

Students learn how to transform cacao beans into delicious chocolate using simple tools and thoughtful technique. Lessons cover:

Choosing equipment, and setting up a workspace
Understanding origin and cocoa bean selection
Roasting and winnowing
Batchcrafting and refining for every type of chocolate
Tempering and molding chocolate
Inclusioncraft and creative additions
Packaging

Every step is tailored for small-batch production, meaning you can follow along in your own kitchen, no matter what the size

Designed for All Abilities

The workshops are structured so that anyone can participate:

Clear, step-by-step instructions
Techniques broken down into manageable parts
Tips and troubleshooting for common challenges
Supportive pace and explanations that don’t assume prior experience

Whether you’re completely new to chocolate making or bringing some skills already, the curriculum meets you where you are and helps you grow.

Online, Interactive, and Supportive

Next Batch Chocolate School is offered online so you can:

Join from anywhere
Learn on your own schedule
Livestreams with Mackenzie, recorded to watch at any time
Ask questions and get feedback
Private 90-minute mentoring session
Build confidence one batch at a time

Our goal is to help you reach your goals, whether that means mastering your first bar, starting a small business, or deepening your creative connection with chocolate.

learn more about our online course

"Thank you for all your inspiration and amazing creations. You are a staple of the craft chocolate scene."

Fjak Chocolate, Norway
"Mackenzie is one of the most inspiring, kind, fun and knowledgeable persons I've ever known. This course is like no other and I enjoyed every second of it."

Michelle van Schaick, founder Faraway Garden Chocolate, Academy of Chocolate judge
"You made an incredible and indelible mark on my work and this community. Thank you for your passion and art, your skills, and generosity."

David Upchurch, chocolatier
"The Next Batch class is 100% what kept me going and made me feel better about taking a huge, risky leap forward. This year has taught me so much, and being a part of the Next Batch Community has been a huge part of it all. I learned so much that we just didn't do at _____, thanks to you, and I'm grateful for your time and willingness to help other chocolate makers pave their own way forward in the industry.

Elizabeth Gentry, founder Harvest Chocolate
"I would probably not still be making chocolate had it not been for Mackenzie and the Next Batch School. Her words of wisdom, patience, humility and willingness to repeat things she has already said make her a real life Yoda in my world."

Tyler Cagwin, founder Nostalgia Chocolates
"I have dared to take risks and experiment with flavors all because of you. Thank you for sharing your craft and wisdom."

EndeCacao
"I am on record saying that just one of the reasons I like her work is her fearless approach to flavor. Her work is just plain fun to eat--and always meticulously crafted."

Clay Gordon, Discover Choc and The Chocolate Life
“For years I’ve been telling people you are the most artistic chocolate maker I know of!”

—Lowe Bibby, creator of the Chocofiles worldwide tasting database
"By the end of Day one I knew I’d hit the chocolate jackpot.”

Estelle Tracy, chocolate sommelier, 37 Chocolates
"...truly a gamechanger."

Aaron Sylvester, Tri-Island Chocolate, and Grenada Chocolate Co
“I have been a chocolatier for over a decade. Making craft chocolate enticed and intimidated me. I never felt ready to try it. Then, one day, I was listening to Lauren's Well Tempered podcast where she chatted with you and I was so touched by your conversation. I felt like I was invited by a kindred spirit to meet chocolate in a new way. A more playful and poetic way. Thank you.”
~~Christy Farion

SETTING UP A WORKSPACE

for small space crafting with big results

THE CRAFT OF BEAN to BAR

from dream to passion to business

FROM a CHOCOLATE MAKER'S SUCCESS STORY

learn tried & true methods, mistakes and a-ha moments, flavor pioneering, and a lot of cacaolove

CRAFTING THE CHOCOLATE RAINBOW

the how-to’s for every type of chocolate, traditional and plant-based

CRAFT YOUR BEST CHOCOLATE

creative crafting in your own unique style, sharing your own unique story, following your own unique dream

THE B SIDE OF CRAFT CHOCOLATE

products, packaging, budget, growing, marketing, repeat

our learn-it-all bean to bar workshop

consultations

how to bring your chocolate goals to life

choosing equipment to fit your space and production needs

Teaching bean to bar chocolate and sharing real-life insights through the lens of a small batch chocolate maker’s path to success

we’re on Instagram @thenextbatchschool

dedicated to sharing the heart & craft of making small batch bean to bar chocolate

The Next Batch Chocolate School was created by a longtime craft chocolate maker with a passion for accessible, hands-on learning.

Our focus is the craft of small-batch bean to bar chocolate that can be made at home, in a small kitchen or craft chocolatory, with approachable instruction so that students of all skill levels can succeed—from curious beginners to experienced makers looking to refine their craft.

The online Bean to Bar ChocolateCraft Workshop provides exactly what our first-hand experience as a chocolate maker has shown us is needed most: real-life insights, how-to techniques, and advice.

Practical Bean-to-Bar Skills

Students learn how to transform cacao beans into delicious chocolate using simple tools and thoughtful technique. Lessons cover:

Choosing equipment, and setting up a workspace

Understanding origin and cocoa bean selection

Roasting and winnowing

Batchcrafting and refining for every type of chocolate

Tempering and molding chocolate

Inclusioncraft and creative additions

Packaging

Every step is tailored for small-batch production, meaning you can follow along in your own kitchen, no matter what the size

Designed for All Abilities

The workshops are structured so that anyone can participate:

Clear, step-by-step instructions

Techniques broken down into manageable parts

Tips and troubleshooting for common challenges

Supportive pace and explanations that don’t assume prior experience

Whether you’re completely new to chocolate making or bringing some skills already, the curriculum meets you where you are and helps you grow.

Online, Interactive, and Supportive

Next Batch Chocolate School is offered online so you can:

Join from anywhere

Learn on your own schedule

Livestreams with Mackenzie, recorded to watch at any time

Ask questions and get feedback

Private 90-minute mentoring session

Build confidence one batch at a time

Our goal is to help you reach your goals, whether that means mastering your first bar, starting a small business, or deepening your creative connection with chocolate.

"Thank you for all your inspiration and amazing creations. You are a staple of the craft chocolate scene."

"Mackenzie is one of the most inspiring, kind, fun and knowledgeable persons I've ever known. This course is like no other and I enjoyed every second of it."

"You made an incredible and indelible mark on my work and this community. Thank you for your passion and art, your skills, and generosity."

"I would probably not still be making chocolate had it not been for Mackenzie and the Next Batch School. Her words of wisdom, patience, humility and willingness to repeat things she has already said make her a real life Yoda in my world."

"I have dared to take risks and experiment with flavors all because of you. Thank you for sharing your craft and wisdom."

"I am on record saying that just one of the reasons I like her work is her fearless approach to flavor. Her work is just plain fun to eat--and always meticulously crafted."

“For years I’ve been telling people you are the most artistic chocolate maker I know of!”

"By the end of Day one I knew I’d hit the chocolate jackpot.”

"...truly a gamechanger."

Teaching bean to bar chocolate and sharing real-life insights through the lens of a small batch chocolate maker’s path to success

the Next Batch™