Forum Activity for @cybele

Is Xocai everything it's made out to be?

Posted in: News & New Product Press (Read-Only)

I've resisted reviewing it on my blog, merely because I get so much spam from the company's minions as it is. (I've banned all mention of it in the comments on the blog since I had a nasty incident two years ago when I first reviewed Dove of all things.)I've tried other fortified chocolates and find them chalky or waxy or simply lacking the chocolate qualities I love.Like you, chocolate is for enjoying. If I need something extra in my diet I'll eat it or take it as a pill.I'm still curious about it, because I do believe that you can create healthy snacks. (I might just need to adjust my thinking that it's not chocolate, just some confection.)

Is Xocai everything it's made out to be?

Posted in: News & New Product Press (Read-Only)

Up front: I am not a fan of Xocai and the company that makes and markets it, MXI Corp . I don't believe in promoting chocolate as a panacea for what ails you. I don't believe in MLM businesses, and I am tired of their reps contacting me and trying to clue me in to the next best thing since, well, since chocolate.So, it did not surprise me when I saw this article published in the Sydney Morning Herald about obstacles MXI reps face in their climb to financial freedom.What do you think? About the article? About the product; anybody tried it? About the company; any ChocolateLife members an MXI rep?:: ClayPS. I met Dr Warren in 2006 (or maybe before then) at a trade show in Las Vegas. I am very aware of who he is, his background, and the claims he makes for chocolate. I have read a lot of his writings as well as the research he references. I am also very aware of the company's products and if I believed in them and thought I could make money selling them I would have jumped at the opportunity over two years ago and been near the very top of the pyramid. But I'm not and I didn't. I don't believe chocolate is supposed to be virtuous. The fact that there are health benefits is a bonus, not a reason. When I eat chocolate I want to eat the best I can find. If I want antioxidants I consume fruits and vegetables or take a vitamin.
updated by @Clay Gordon: 12/13/24 12:16:07

Silk screening

Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

You sound like my kind of chocolatier. Can't wait to see your magnetic mold results!The one issue I have with the inkjet printing is lack of intensity of colour. Not sure how well your image will show against dark chocolate.

Silk screening

Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

Thanks for that link. Right now I'm exploring possibilities to print directly from an inkjet printer on to overhead transparancies. A lot of Cake decorating and rice paper technology out there, so it shouldn't be that work something out.Right now I'm working on making my own magnetic molds from plexiglass. I've made some rolling cutters from pizza wheels and redi-rod (turned my own handles on a wood lathe) and scored a wire cookie log cutter that enables me to slice logs of ganache into perfect 3/8" thick slices.

Silk screening

Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

American Chocolate Designs can make custom for you.I've been making my own transfer sheets by silk screening - click here for a link to the discussion about it.I'm new on this site, so I'm not sure if I'll add the link correctly, so bear with me.

Silk screening

Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

Thanks for the replies everyone.Am doing my "homework" right now!

Silk screening

Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

Edward:In order to make your own transfers it really is necessary to use a food-grade photosensitive resist to make the screens. To the best of my knowledge there is no commercially available one though a very careful search with Google, et all, will reveal some home recipes for same.One non-obvious source for transfers is Chef Rubber in Las Vegas. They'll do pretty much any size and colors you want and they use colored cocoa butters not hydrogenated fats as some other services do (or at least I have been told that they do).You send them your digital file, they create a proof, you sign off and the transfers are produced and shipped.Normal turnaround is a week though they can do it as fast as overnight if you are willing to pay.

Silk screening

Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

Have just secured a contract for some custom chocolates and am in the process of getting a silk-screened transfer made fo this job. As far as I know only PCB crations (France) can do this. Problem is, I'm getting the old French run-around and delayed delivery times.If this contract goes out on time, I should be able to secure similar ones, and rather than rely on PCB I'd like to explore other options.Does anyone know of other facilities (preferably in N. America) that can make custom chocolate transfers?Is it possible to make my own transfers? I don't mind investing in silk-screen materials or technology, but don't have the slightest idea of how to go about it.RegardsEdward
updated by @Edward: 04/11/25 09:27:36

What's in Store for Valrhona?

Posted in: News & New Product Press (Read-Only)

I know you like to speak your mind and you put care and thought into what you say.There are many who would disagree with that last part bubba. Of course they are wrong, entitled to -and encouraged to disagree.................but wrong none the less.There are no chocolate mind police on the siteAnd I have no filter so its a match made in heaven! Thanks clay.

What's in Store for Valrhona?

Posted in: News & New Product Press (Read-Only)

Jeff:This is not the place to hold back - I know you like to speak your mind and you put care and thought into what you say. There are no chocolate mind police on the site and I am sure that others here who might not have tried Valrhona chocolate because it is expensive would like to hear what you have to say.

What's in Store for Valrhona?

Posted in: News & New Product Press (Read-Only)

Good points.I think they priced themselves out of the market by not doing just that clay-creating a less expensive but still quality couverture for the working chef. Felchlin makes a far superior product line and they are worth the money, Valrhona? Not so much.....but dont say that in public or the chocolate "elite" who have bought into the hype of the over fermented "raisiny" goo will come after you with a vengence.

What's in Store for Valrhona?

Posted in: News & New Product Press (Read-Only)

That's a very interesting point. Many of other chocolate makers that compete with Valrhona have more than one product line covering different price points. When budget permits, you can use the more expensive line; when margins are tight and the customers are price sensitive, you can use a less-expensive line but still take advantage of the brand name.Valrhona does not have such a strategy so they are always getting hammered on price - which is worse now because of the relative weakness of the US$.

What's in Store for Valrhona?

Posted in: News & New Product Press (Read-Only)

What do I think will happen?Probably Cacobarry or Callebaut will gobble them up.What do I think should happen? Well, look. In a high end restaurant I could sell a Valrohana creation for $10 - $15 and be able to make a profit on it. But high end restaurants and few and far in between and they don't buy a lot of chocolate.If I wanted to have "bragging rights" by using only Valrhona couveture in my pralines and bon-bons, I'd have to raise the prices by almost 75% in order to turn a dime, alienating myself from my current customer base, and starving myself before I can cultivate a customer base willing to pay for Valrhona. There's no way I could make a profit by using Valrhona in any pastry or cakes either.It's a volume market, sorry to say. In a perfect world Valrhona would have a "professional line" available only in say, 10 -25 kg packaging, with prices dropped quite a bit lower than the regular line. The pricing would encourage more mainstream use-- a volume market,

What's in Store for Valrhona?

Posted in: News & New Product Press (Read-Only)

Word is that the owners of Valrhona, the Bongrain family, are officially looking to sell the company. Apparently the bloom is off the rose and the company is seen as an underperforming asset. Even the association with La Maison du Chocolat (Valrhona owns LMdC) is not enough to overcome comparatively dismal financial results.FLASH UPDATE: Apparently my source didn't know what they were talking about. I was contacted indirectly and was told that Valrhona is definitely not for sale. I am going to be meeting with some of the Valrhona people here in the US next week and I will let you know what I learn (and can say) after I have the meeting.
updated by @Clay Gordon: 12/13/24 12:16:07

How to slove cracking problem of chocolate

Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

Thank you for your suggestion! I will do some experiment later.

How to slove cracking problem of chocolate

Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

Cracking is normally caused by either the cooling is to rapid or what you are enrobing is too cool in relation to the chocolate temperature.Try the following:Raise the tunnel tempertaures abit and slow down the tunnel speed.Check the temperature of the wafer .. too cold will cause cracking.You have to experiment.

How to slove cracking problem of chocolate

Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

Dear friends,when I use cocoa butter replacer(CBR) to coat the wafer but the coating is cracking .Who can help me to slove cracking problem.The SFC of the CBR is 87% at 10,68% at 20,33.5% at 30,18% at 35,3% at 40.The coating temperature at 45 by hand. Then the coated wafer was sent to cooling tunnel which the temperatures at 10. The ingredients is sugar, cocoa powder, skimmed milk power,CBR,lecithin.Many thanks for your suggestion!
updated by @Wang Jian: 04/11/25 09:27:36

Is Cocoa Liquor "Bean to Bar"?

Posted in: Opinion

No. Bean-to-bar means just that, i.e., one starts with cocoa beans and carries out the chocolate-making process until the final bars are molded.Thus, one must roast, winnow, and grind the cocoa beans to be considered a bean-to-bar chocolate maker. Starting with liquor, where the beans have been processed by someone else, would necessarily make one a "liquor-to-bar" chocolate maker instead.

Is Cocoa Liquor "Bean to Bar"?

Posted in: Opinion

I want to hear every opinion on this.... Do you consider purchased chocolate liquor that is mixed w/ all the ingredients is bean to bar???
updated by @Grant S of Grant Candy Co.: 05/05/15 14:33:31

Call For Entries: The Next Generation Chocolate Competition

Posted in: News & New Product Press (Read-Only)

Alessandra:The judging process is not open to the public. All of the applications are sent to me as the head judge and I evaluate them. 20 are selected and are invited to participate in the judging. This means that they must supply samples to be judged. The judging will take place in NYC in October, in private. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony - to which the public is invited to attend - in early November.:: Clay

Call For Entries: The Next Generation Chocolate Competition

Posted in: News & New Product Press (Read-Only)

Hey, so I am a big dork and I can't figure out how to fill out an application that is in Pdf. Can someone clue me in on how to fill out the application part of this thing? D'oh!

Call For Entries: The Next Generation Chocolate Competition

Posted in: News & New Product Press (Read-Only)

When and where will the competition take place? Is is open to the general public? To watch, I mean.

Call For Entries: The Next Generation Chocolate Competition

Posted in: News & New Product Press (Read-Only)

Bill:Actually, from the contest's point of view we are more interested in your chocolate professional bio. However, personally I am fascinated by the roads people take to get to chocolate. So a quick sketch of your professional life before you turned to chocolate would be great. It won't have any influence on either the selection or judging processes.:: Clay

Call For Entries: The Next Generation Chocolate Competition

Posted in: News & New Product Press (Read-Only)

Clay,I'm finishing my application and have some questions on the bio. Do you want it to focus on chocolates or a complete professional bio? My background was pretty far from the culinary scene until about 3-4 years ago but is part of my story. Just wondering if you wanting to know about our training/experience with chocolate or a complete bio. Thanks. Bill

Call For Entries: The Next Generation Chocolate Competition

Posted in: News & New Product Press (Read-Only)

You are correct sarah...now we have to see if we "make the cut"....I sent nude photos of myself in with the bio....probably a bad idea in retrospect....

Call For Entries: The Next Generation Chocolate Competition

Posted in: News & New Product Press (Read-Only)

I understood it to mean that there are two categories and the "rising star" part is for those 5 years and less, and the rest is open to anyone making artisan chocolates.

Call For Entries: The Next Generation Chocolate Competition

Posted in: News & New Product Press (Read-Only)

hey curtis???I just read the official rules and saw that it wants chocolatiers with under 5 years in business. I assume those of us who participated in 2003 are now disqualified? Me, chris, bethany, kee? make the cut-off 6 years and we are in!

Call For Entries: The Next Generation Chocolate Competition

Posted in: News & New Product Press (Read-Only)

yes......I now have to choose which bon bon will kill the competition......just leave them wimpering in wonderment at the majesty of my creations....

Call For Entries: The Next Generation Chocolate Competition

Posted in: News & New Product Press (Read-Only)

Jeff:There is a bar category and a bon bon category. As far as I am concerned you may enter one piece in each of those categories for a total of two pieces. Does that clarify things?:: Clay

Call For Entries: The Next Generation Chocolate Competition

Posted in: News & New Product Press (Read-Only)

So curtis?-clay?can we enter 2 different pieces? or is it limited to one? I just developed a new one that fits the criteria that is absolutely out of this world good. I mean broke da mouf good.so-can i? pretty please? with sugar and salt on top?

Call For Entries: The Next Generation Chocolate Competition

Posted in: News & New Product Press (Read-Only)

Thanks clay....it was my first contest.

Call For Entries: The Next Generation Chocolate Competition

Posted in: News & New Product Press (Read-Only)

Love to enter, have my own chocolate business, but alas-- wrong country....

Call For Entries: The Next Generation Chocolate Competition

Posted in: News & New Product Press (Read-Only)

You will need to be employed as a chocolate maker by the date of the judging, which is the first week in October. So go ahead and apply, but be sure to include that recommendation letter. Good luck.:: Curtis VreelandNXT GEN Chocolatier Competition Founder

Call For Entries: The Next Generation Chocolate Competition

Posted in: News & New Product Press (Read-Only)

Thank you! I'll definitely apply.

Call For Entries: The Next Generation Chocolate Competition

Posted in: News & New Product Press (Read-Only)

As an FYI, the winner in the "Best Ganache" category in 2004 was Jeff Shepherd of Lillie Belle Farms in Central Point, OR. Jeff is a member of TheChocolateLife.:: Clay

Call For Entries: The Next Generation Chocolate Competition

Posted in: News & New Product Press (Read-Only)

Caroline:The organizer of the competition, Curtis Vreeland, is a member of TheChocolateLife. I will forward a message off to him asking him to take a look at your question. In the meantime, it takes only a few moments to apply so why not go ahead? You have nothing to lose and I know that Pam Williams would be thrilled to know that one of her students wants to compete (don't forget to get a letter of recommendation from her - and maybe confirmation from your future employer).:: Clay

Call For Entries: The Next Generation Chocolate Competition

Posted in: News & New Product Press (Read-Only)

Hi Clay,I am very interested in entering the competition, but i'm not sure if i'm eligible. I've taken various chocolate courses through Ecole Chocolat and would like to enter one of bon bons I developed for one of the courses - it works perfect with the competition theme! At the moment i'm not a student and I am also not in business for myself. I have been offered a job to work for a chocolatier, but I will not be employed there until after August 1st. Am I eligible to apply?Caroline

Call For Entries: The Next Generation Chocolate Competition

Posted in: News & New Product Press (Read-Only)

Applications are now available for the 3rd bi-annual Next Generation Chocolatier Competition, the only national competition for chocolatiers in the US. This year, I am acting as the Head Judge.The competition is open to professional chocolatiers and culinary students living and working in the US. This year's theme is "Salty Sweet." ChocolateLife members are among the very first to hear about the competition and have access to the guidelines and application form.The Competition Guidelines and Application form are attached to this post for you to download and read. It's a two-step process. You must first submit an application, which is then vetted. 20 semi-finalists will be selected to submit entries for final judging. The application deadline is August 1, 2008. NOTE: The application deadline has been extended to August 15th. There is no fee to apply.Please use this forum to ask questions about the competition. The competition's organizer, Curtis Vreeland, is a ChocolateLife member and he and I (in my role as head judge) will do our best to answer all of your questions in a timely fashion.
updated by @Clay Gordon: 12/13/24 12:16:07

health laws on making chocolates at home?

Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

I responded to this post in the Kitchen Confectionery group discussion. All future responses should go there.

health laws on making chocolates at home?

Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

i asked this in the kitchen confectionary group but no one has answered- i thought more people would see it here and someone might knowi want to start a chocolate business at home and wondered if there are any laws around doing so, as with other food businesses...i have NO clue and cannot find any information at all....i thought maybe some of you, here, would know or know where i can find out....any input would be appreciatedthanks!
updated by @donna3: 04/11/25 09:27:36

How far have you gone for a box of chocolates?

Posted in: Travels & Adventures

I admit to being very, very impressed by your dedication to good chocolates and the lengths you go to obtain them. Undoubtedly you are a true chocophile (Definition: "Someone with a great love for, an inordinate attraction to, chocolates. Chocophiles don't just buy chocolates, they worship them at the altars of Theobroma; they don't just unwrap chocolates, they undress them; and they don't just eat chocolates, they have passionate encounters with them.").When I lived in London I used to go by Eurostar to Paris for chocolates, but the journey was much shorter than yours. I don't know of anyone who has travelled further than you for chocolates, but I did once read of Baron Alphonse de Rothschild who, in his will of 1905, left 25,000 gold Francs to his son-in-law Albert, 'So that he might buy himself some chocolates'.

How far have you gone for a box of chocolates?

Posted in: Travels & Adventures

I admit I am a shameless chocoholic. Unfortunately the shipping fees are outrageous for chocolates from Europe and FDA regs on shipping food have caused some choclatiers (Le Roux, most notably) to suspend all shipments to the US.I went to Salon du Chocolat in Paris last year for fun, but also to pick up a parcel of Le Roux chocolates special ordered in advance at their booth. I've also actually found a cheap plane ticket (in the old days when round trips to London could be had for $250) and flown over the weekend to pick up my treasured salted caramels from L'artisan du Chocolat in London with a quick train stop to Paris.Anyone else have any interesting stories about how far they have gone to get a box of chocolates?
updated by @Etherscreen: 05/12/15 21:34:43