Begin your bean to bar crafting journey right from home.
Bean to bar chocolate, joyfully crafted
A complete, process-driven course for makers at any stage who want to craft exceptional chocolate
Learn exactly how to create chocolate with guidance from a seasoned craft chocolate maker
From first batch to award-level creativity, craft with confidence, clarity, and consistency
This isn’t a surface-level overview, or casual introduction.
It’s a structured, in-depth training in small-batch chocolate making, for makers who want to craft well from the very start, or hone the skills they have.
Whether you’re just starting or refining an award-winning business, the focus is the same: deep understanding, and crafting small batch with intention.
"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
Start your first batch, or make your next creation the batch of your dreams
-
"Thank you for all your inspiration and amazing creations. You are a staple of the craft chocolate scene."
Fjak Chocolate, Norway
-
"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
-
"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
-
"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 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
-
"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
-
"I have dared to take risks and experiment with flavors all because of you. Thank you for sharing your craft and wisdom."
EndeCacao
-
"...truly a gamechanger."
Aaron Sylvester, Tri-Island Chocolate, and Grenada Chocolate Co
-
"By the end of Day one I knew I’d hit the chocolate jackpot.”
Estelle Tracy, chocolate sommelier, 37 Chocolates
bean to bar livelihood
sourcing cacao
crafting in a small kitchen
easy tempering
PDFs for download
every step of bean to bar
setting up to craft
roasting cacao
plant-based recipes
inclusioncraft
crafting single origin cacao
batchcrafting
sustainable, beautiful packaging
Swirls of white, dark, and milk chocolate marbling on chocolate coffee latte bars
drinking chocolate
flavor pairing
the B(usiness) side of chocolate
the pretty and not so pretty
how to bring your chocolate goals to life
equipment needs
spreads
production planning
unique-to-you products
choosing equipment to fit your space and production needs
we’re on Instagram @thenextbatchschool
