Some travelers like to bring back souvenirs. Others bring back a passion for artisanal chocolates.
When Joshua Becker traveled to the Netherlands, he brought back more than just pictures and stories. After witnessing the delicate craftsmanship of the country’s chocolatiers—and tasting the rich flavors of Dutch chocolate—Becker found himself in love with the art of chocolate making. Back stateside, he enrolled at St. Louis’ Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, earning a certificate in Pâtisserie and Baking in 2012. A year later, he opened Cocoa Blue Chocolates—a small-town confectionary inspired by those that so enamored him overseas.
![Store with owner](/assets/Images/Food-+-Drink/Cocoa-Blues-Owner-Rochester__FocusFillWyIwLjAwIiwiMC4wMCIsMTIwMCw3NTBd.jpg)
Located in Rochester, Illinois—mere miles from Springfield—Cocoa Blue claims a space in the old Town Hall building, lending an old-fashioned intimacy to the shop. During a visit, you can see Becker and his staff produce high-end chocolates from scratch, getting a behind-the-scenes look at the artisanal process of making chocolates, caramels, and truffles.
![Bell on counter](/assets/Images/Food-+-Drink/Bell-Cocoa-Blue-Rochester__FocusFillWyIwLjAwIiwiMC4wMCIsNTAwLDMzMF0.jpg)
![Chocolate being poured into balls](/assets/Images/Food-+-Drink/Chocolate-Cocoa-Blue-Rochester__FocusFillWyIwLjAwIiwiMC4wMCIsNTAwLDMzMF0.jpg)
For many of his creations, Becker imports ingredients straight from the Netherlands, in order to imbue each truffle with the authentic taste of rich Dutch chocolate. But even if the cocoa comes from overseas, each is made right here at home. Whether you’re on your way to see the Illinois capital or en route to one of the historic towns nearby, be sure to visit Cocoa Blue Chocolates for a sweet taste that's truly Illinois Made.
Discover more Illinois artisans at Illinois Made.
Related Reads
![Two men](/_resources/themes/enjoyillinois/images/px.png?m=1710871496)
Ottawa's Tangled Roots Brewery
In Ottawa, IL, Tangled Roots makes handcrafted beer from home-grown hops and barley.
![Chocolate Pumpkin](/_resources/themes/enjoyillinois/images/px.png?m=1710871496)
Geneva's Chocolate Kitchen
In Geneva, Illinois, Chef Alain Roby is proving that not all art is meant for walls. Some is even meant to be eaten.
![Coffee and slice](/_resources/themes/enjoyillinois/images/px.png?m=1710871496)
Ethereal Confections
As one of only a few small-batch bean-to-bar chocolate shops in the nation, Ethereal Confections takes the term chocoholic to a whole new—and even sweeter—level.
![Alcholol](/_resources/themes/enjoyillinois/images/px.png?m=1710871496)
KOVAL Distillery
With numerous international awards, KOVAL leads a new generation of small-batch distillers producing America’s finest organic grain-to-bottle spirits.
![Bicycles](/_resources/themes/enjoyillinois/images/px.png?m=1710871496)
Heritage Bicycles
Fully customized, American-made with American steel, hand-welded Heritage bikes are the talk of the town—and the toast of the neighborhood.
Share your Moments
#EnjoyIllinois