Forum Activity for @Mike3

Warming solution

Posted in: Opinion

Another idea for keeping choc warm is to use water bed heaters. They might be cheaper and have more surface area than the plate mentioned above, and I think they max out at a pretty low chocolate-safe temp (maybe 90-100F). They are also encased in rubber and roll up for storage (the ones i used to have did anyways).-mike

Warming solution

Posted in: Opinion

Hello again, I was looking for ways to melt and mostly to keep the chocolate warm
updated by @Hilmir Kolbeins: 04/10/15 12:17:03

Interested in a device to make tempering in a Santha or Cocoatown grinder easier?

Posted in: Geek Gear - Cool Tools (Read-Only)

Hi Jessica. I believe that Madre is now using a commercial tempering machine, so I'd guess that they haven't done any further work on this idea.

I tempered for a while using a santha with one of the wheels removed, a thermometer, and a space heater/fan. I usually started with melted chocolate and would dump it into the room temperature santha. The process was basically to cool the chocolate down with the fan and seed chocolate. Once it was in temper, I'd just monitor the temperature and adjust as necessary using either the fan or the heater.

It worked pretty well, except that it added a lot of bubbles to the chocolate.

Interested in a device to make tempering in a Santha or Cocoatown grinder easier?

Posted in: Geek Gear - Cool Tools (Read-Only)

Erin,

I happened by this post. I know I am a few years late, but I'm curious about your process. Have you developed this idea further? Do you have anything in the works?

Jessica

Interested in a device to make tempering in a Santha or Cocoatown grinder easier?

Posted in: Geek Gear - Cool Tools (Read-Only)

This would be very interesting, especially in the Cocoatown Grindeurs. It would be nice to have a plug in play device to the heating/cooling system whereby you could set the parameters and it will let you know when to seed and when it is tempered, the rest is done for you (or you could set the parameters ahead of time).Very interesting indeed.

Interested in a device to make tempering in a Santha or Cocoatown grinder easier?

Posted in: Geek Gear - Cool Tools (Read-Only)

Nat:A very interesting possibility ... I think a number of people would go for it.Over at TCHO they developed just such a controller (though I think they use an IR temp sensor) and they use it during the refining/conching process to control the temp of the mass. This enables them better consistency in the finished results and they can force the temp to a specific place to volatilize a specific aromatic component.While you're at it, how about hooking up a speed controller to the motor?:: Clay

Interested in a device to make tempering in a Santha or Cocoatown grinder easier?

Posted in: Geek Gear - Cool Tools (Read-Only)

At Madre Chocolate , we've been trying to figure out how to easily temper largish (5-10 lbs) batches ofchocolate in an existing appliance that we already have like a KitchenAid mixer, Santha, or Cocoatown grinder/conch so that we don't need to buy another machine and take up valuable counter space for tempering.
updated by @Nat: 12/13/24 12:15:15

Shipping Chocolates in Hot Climates

Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

Hi ClayThanks very much.Natan

Shipping Chocolates in Hot Climates

Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

Natan:There have been a number of discussions about warm weather shipping on TheChocolateLIfe. Here is one of the more extensive ones.Much of the references are to US firms, but there's definitely enough here to help out.:: Clay

Shipping Chocolates in Hot Climates

Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

Hi AmandaMany Thanks.Kind regards,Natan

Shipping Chocolates in Hot Climates

Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

Yes we use standard cardboard boxes. Admittely they are quite big boxes because we are shipping out bulk products to customers etc, but to date no problems. We also have a customer we sent bulk choc buttons to in the north of WA and we actually use Aust Post Express Post satchels, because at least that way you know its going there as quick as it can. The cold pack brand is www.sud-chemie.com.au . They are from Penrith. Good luck.

Shipping Chocolates in Hot Climates

Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

Hi AmandaThanks for your suggestions.Our chocolates are finished and I am often concerned about spoilage.Can you suggest the brand of the "dry packs" you use? Are you using normal cardboard boxes?ThanksNatan

Shipping Chocolates in Hot Climates

Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

Hi NatanWe regularly ship chocolate all over Australia, including WA and NT. Our chocolate isn't a finished chocolate though, we ship the chocolate melting buttons, but also chocolate transfer sheets. We find newspaper makes an excellent protection material and it also provides extra padding. On extreme days, we also add in a cold pack (the ones that aren't water based so they don't leak). To date we haven't had any spoilage. If the temperature if really extreme, (like 38-40 degrees) we try not to ship as its pretty impossible to protect chocolate if its going to be sitting in a hot truck. Hope this helps. Amanda

Shipping Chocolates in Hot Climates

Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

Hi, Does anyone have any knowledge of posting chocolates in high temperatures?We are located in Sydney, Australia and would like to start selling our gift-boxes online.Does anyone have experience in doing this.Our temperatures range from 25-35 degrees Celsius (77-95 Fahrenheit)- mainly over the summer months.I am trying to find an alternative to polystyrene boxes (as they are bad for the environment and take up heaps of space). Any help would be appreciated :-).ThanksNatan
updated by @Natan Nadas: 04/11/25 09:27:36

is it possible to set chocolate into jelly?

Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

I've Been wondering wether i can set chocolate peices into jelly but fear that the liquid jelly will ruin the chocolate. Is there a way round this problem or is it completely impossible to perform this task? Is there anyone out there that can help me with this?

updated by @mark3: 04/11/25 09:27:36

Anyone have a used Rev2 they want to unload?

Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

I've been contacted by someone in Canada who has decided she wants a Rev2 but is hoping to find something a little less expensive than what the Canadian vendors are asking.
updated by @Kerry: 04/07/25 13:00:14

Another Great Book, Ordered mine just a minute ago....

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

hot for chocolate! But lots of holiday folk!

Another Great Book, Ordered mine just a minute ago....

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

Gee. This inocuous little thread has spawned such a hive of activity. Its great. t

Another Great Book, Ordered mine just a minute ago....

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

Durban.

Another Great Book, Ordered mine just a minute ago....

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

I didn't, and when I sign on to Amazon.ca it still says the estimated delivery date of Oct 21. But when you look for the book it says not yet available. I guess I'll know next week some time!

Another Great Book, Ordered mine just a minute ago....

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

Kerry, didn't you receive an email that the order was delayed?! Humph!Anthony-I know what you mean! Where are you in S.A. ?

Another Great Book, Ordered mine just a minute ago....

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

It looks like its on back order universally, I cant even get a copy here in South Africa. This chocolate thing is eating all my money, instead of the other way round :-(

Another Great Book, Ordered mine just a minute ago....

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

Remember I'm in a different country!

Another Great Book, Ordered mine just a minute ago....

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

I ordered mine last week. I thought it wasn't shipping until December. Sure hope you are correct:-)

Another Great Book, Ordered mine just a minute ago....

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

Fine Chocolates 3: How they last longer and taste stronger.

Another Great Book, Ordered mine just a minute ago....

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

Hi Kerry, Whats it called?

Another Great Book, Ordered mine just a minute ago....

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

I preordered - say's it's shipping on Oct 18th. I'll let you know if it arrives!

Another Great Book, Ordered mine just a minute ago....

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

It is something like-Chocolates 3-How they last longer and taste stronger. I put a link on my site under "recommended books". Due a delay in its publication, the link was changed and likewise on amazon itself. I suggest checking in now and then because it should be sent by December-at least that is what they told me! It is a good price which I am sure will go up fast after pre orders.

Another Great Book, Ordered mine just a minute ago....

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

Hi Ilana, Which book did Wybauw write?

Another Great Book, Ordered mine just a minute ago....

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

It looks great!! I just pre ordered Wybauw's new book so this will have to wait a bit. They have a preview on google books...
Thanks for sharing!

Another Great Book, Ordered mine just a minute ago....

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

Check this out....

http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/food/2009/04/15/all-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-chocolate-volume-one/

Happy Reading

T

updated by @Anthony Lange: 12/13/24 12:16:07

Where can I find a Guillotine?

Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

Contact MTE Bifaro. they have it and they do ship items too to various places

Where can I find a Guillotine?

Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

Anybody know if someone has started making more of these available?

Where can I find a Guillotine?

Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

Please count me among the interested, as well...

Cheers,
David

Where can I find a Guillotine?

Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

Of course I'm interested too.

Where can I find a Guillotine?

Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

Hi Clay, sure, here are a few of the photos! Btw I'd like to add the caveats I mentioned in y reply to Thomas: these are pictures of our guillotine when new. 2 years on it's still pretty much in daily usage and aging gracefully. If you are interested in one we'll have to check prices &availabilityagain (it's been 2 years...).

Where can I find a Guillotine?

Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

Sam -

Please post photos here on the ChocolateLife (there's a link below the comment box after you click reply where you can upload photos).. Or - you can create a photo album and link to the photo album.

If you share here, you won't be bombarded with lots of individual requests to send the photos.

:: Clay

Where can I find a Guillotine?

Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

Thanks, you can send to:

thomasnowsun@gmail.com

Where can I find a Guillotine?

Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

Hi Thomas, sure give me your email address and I will send you photos.

Where can I find a Guillotine?

Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

Hello, I know you posted this 2 years ago, but do you have the picture of the pretty much home made guillotine please.

Thanks

Where can I find a Guillotine?

Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

I am interested. Please send me details as to where I can buy a cocoa gulluotine.

I am based in New Jersey, USA.

Thanks

Pallavi

Where can I find a Guillotine?

Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

Me too! Please post pics.