Life in the kitchen is tough, and if 17 years in the culinary industry has taught chef-turned-chocolatier Uzma Sharif anything, it’s that being even tougher is key.

It’s no secret that Chicago has a long history of great candy makers, but these days it’s the artisians making their mark on the city, and even the country.

It's no surprise then to see the world's leading confectionery manufacturers focus on the Middle East, India, Far East, and Pakistan. What is surprising is the lack of familiarity about the region.