Meet The Pastry Chef Behind Elizabeth Moore Chocolates

When one thinks about the sweetest satisfaction in life, a gourmet chocolate bar or a delicately crafted pastry comes to mind. That satisfaction is doubled when the treat is as visually appealing as it tastes. This delightful combination of art and culinary expertise can be experienced at Elizabeth Moore Chocolates in Pelham, Alabama, where culinary virtuoso, Susan Notter, continues to delight customers.

A Renowned Pastry Chef

Originally from Birmingham, UK, the Certified Executive Pastry Chef, Susan Notter, has traveled the world honing her skills before finally making Birmingham, Alabama, her home. Known internationally for her expertise, Susan currently coaches the U.S. National Culinary team participating in the prestigious Culinary Olympics among other key events. Her contribution to the field not only extends to teaching and coaching but also to judging various global culinary competitions.

The Journey

Born in Birmingham, England, and raised in Northern England’s Cheshire, Susan’s passion for pastry initiated from an early age. The journey took Susan from culinary school in the United Kingdom to Germany and Switzerland, where she refined her skills in pastry arts. The quest for excellence in her career led her to Birmingham, Alabama in 2001. She was recruited by Virginia College to kick-start an international baking and pastry program as a part of its culinary division, Culinard. After eight years in Alabama and a 12-year stint in Pennsylvania, where she held the title of program director of a pastry arts program, Susan fulfilled every chef’s aspiration by opening her own chocolate shop, Elizabeth Moore Chocolates.

Elizabeth Moore Chocolates

The unique shop’s name is inspired by Susan’s middle and maiden name. The passion for sharing her craft drove chef Susan to found this store, which specializes in ethically sourced and artistically made chocolates and confections. The shop stands testimony to her creativity not just with the store’s enchanting flavors but also with her legendary sugar sculptures on display.

A life dedicated to Culinary Excellence

Susan’s career has seen multiple high spots from representing the USA in various international culinary events to scoring top points at an event in Switzerland. Her role as a coach for the US competitor at the Queen of Pastry in Italy led to yet another proud moment as the team secured a gold medal. She has lived up to her early mentor’s inscription in a gifted dessert book which read, “One day you will think this is all just a piece of cake.”

A balance of Work and Life

While Susan remains committed to her profession as a pastry chef, her interests outside work sharpen her creativity and relax her mind. A lover of nature, Susan often spends her free time hiking or trying out new restaurants. Currently, her source of inspiration is her chocolate shop and she indulges her creativity as she develops new flavors and ideas for the different seasons.

Words of Wisdom

“If a task is worth doing, it’s worth doing well”, shares Susan when asked for a piece of advice. In addition to family, faith, and friends, the three things she can’t live without are walks in the forest, toast, and her profession.

Lightning Round!

Last delicious local meal: The Depot in Auburn
Favorite place to vacation: Wales
Your go-to gift to give: A box of chocolates!
Favorite recent TV show binge: The Last Tango in Halifax
Book(s) on your bedside table: Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro and Atonement by Ian McEwan