Gula-Gula, Perth: Homemade Chocolate Liqueur Truffles

I must say that the folks from our part of the world are one of the most polite I've met. Wouldn't you just agree with that? The Malays says "God willing" when they actually mean "No"; the Chinese calls you "prosperous" when they see you've put on a couple of pounds; and the Indians, well, they just wiggle their heads. Anyway, back to the Chinese, I've been called "prosperous" a few times, especially right after my recent Aussie trip. To be honest I'm not offended, really. I know there are some truth to it since I came back looking like a whale. But having said that, I'm just not quite sure if "prosperous" was the right choice of word here. Perhaps, what they really meant was that I'm truly "blessed"!

You see, I used the word "blessed" because, I really have been just that. I've been blessed with many good food and good friends, or rather good friends who make good food. So now you see why I'm blessed with such a prosperous figure. In my life, I'm proud and honoured to have an extremely talented bunch of bakers and home-chefs to call as my friends. Now, adding to that list of friends-with-benefits (what else would you really call them?), is Adelene, my Kak (elder sis) from Perth, who among her long list of accolades is also a Chocolatier. In her spare time, between stalking Korean celebrities and volunteering at the dog refuge, she runs a mini chocolate liqueur truffles factory right in her home kitchen. In the same home which I've been welcomed to stay at during my visit. And yes, this is me earning my keeps.



She named her little chocolate factory, Gula-Gula (pronounced as Goola-Goola), which is Malay for 'sweets' or 'candy', as she was inspired by her own addiction for all things sweet, especially chocolate. And here's a little trivial of its name, Gula is also latin for gluttony, one of the seven deadly sins. It is described as the over-indulgence or over-consumption of anything to the point of waste and in some cultures that can be perceived as either a vice or a sign of status. Chocolate = Indulgent. Sweet!

Watching Adelene weight, melt, mix and mold these confectioneries together was by itself a rewarding experience. She uses nothing but the best ingredients available and in her own words, "I used all my favourite snacks and roll them all in one!". Also, when I first heard of her business, I thought she had some elves in the kitchen helping her churn these truffles out. I can now say that I've been proven wronged. She even makes the boxes that hold them and an origami menu that comes with the whole package with her own bare hands. Is that impressive or is that impressive?

During my visit, she made us a box of her latest collection and best seller, aptly named Signed Sealed Delivered. As you can tell, it was named after one of the most well known love songs by Motown legend, Stevie Wonder. The box consisted of a dozen truffles with 6 'love song' flavours:

Burning Love (Elvis Presley): Much like a chocolate jaffa, this dark chocolate truffle is indulgent yet citrusy thanks to the medley of Cointreau and orange peel. The crunchy caramalised sugar topping gave it a well rounded mouth feel and sweetness.

Truly Madly Deeply (Savage Garden): Strawberries and cream, I can see how this white chocolate truffle with white chocolate shavings would be a hit with the ladies - much like the sacrine sweet song its named after.

I Got You Babe (Sonny & Cher): Nutty, silky and aromatic. You can't go wrong with the concoction of milk chocolate truffle with Frangelico, crushed hazelnuts and coated with dessicated coconuts.

Let's Get It On (Marvin Gaye): This was easily my favourite, a dark chocolate truffle in a seduction of brandy and roasted almond flakes. Didn't necessarily make me wanna do the nasty, but it sure was sinful.

P.Y.T/Pretty Young Thing (Michael Jackson): The prettiest of 'em lot with a white chocolate heart to boot. This white chocolate truffle is laced with butterscotch schnapps in a dalliance of cinnamon and sugar crystals. Never a fan of white chocolate, but this definitely sent me over the moon.

Sex Bomb (Tom Jones): You can't named something after Tom Jone and not expecting it be a burning sensation. This milk chocolate truffle infused with a shot of vodka and a creamy chocolate centre was hold together in a guise of cocoa powder.

 

In case you're wondering what's with the cheesy names, Signed Sealed Delivered was invented for 2010 Valentine's Day celebration and was meant to help the unlucky ones get lucky, if you know what I mean. She has also two other collections, Tempestuous Temptation and Bond Bombshells, which she assures you are also made with lots love.

So, if you're ever in Perth or are in Perth and in the mood for bless yourself with a nice figure, indulge yourself in some of Gula-Gula's treats. I'll promise you'll be breaking out into love songs, like Daniel Henney did, when you try her treats. Signed Sealed Delivered cost AUD20/box while Tempestuous Temptation and Bond Bombshells cost AUD18/box. As these handmade goodies are made fresh, they should be consumed within a few days after purchase.

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Gula-Gula, Handmade Chocolate Liqueur Truffles
To order, email: iwantgulagula@gmail.com or visit Gula-Gula Facebook Page