Forum Activity for @James Cary

James Cary
@James Cary
12/14/08 02:50:08
32 posts

Aging chocolate


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

I've noticed chocolatiers mention that they age their product. Why would that be beneficial? Or is it marketing to put it in league with other aged products (because I understand aging cheese, wine, and alcohol allow for further enzymatic/biological activity to occur and in the case of wines, vinegars, and alcohols to allow the vanillins and other flavors of the container to mix in, but as far as I can tell chocolate does not undergo the same) ?
updated by @James Cary: 04/11/25 09:27:36
Ilana
@Ilana
12/27/08 02:12:12
97 posts

Cacao Research


Posted in: History of Chocolate

I have some information onthis on my site- under history, with sources used at the end. More about the morano/crypto jews but may be of interest to you. There is an author called Mordehai Arbell who specializes in this era.
Mari
@Mari
12/23/08 15:40:33
3 posts

Cacao Research


Posted in: History of Chocolate

Well the Spanish invaded in the early 16th century and the Jesuit control of the Mayan plantations would presumably begin after that. So that time period.
Ilana
@Ilana
12/22/08 08:56:58
97 posts

Cacao Research


Posted in: History of Chocolate

Can you give more details as to what time you are interested in?
Mari
@Mari
12/10/08 18:35:07
3 posts

Cacao Research


Posted in: History of Chocolate

I am doing personal research on the history of chocolate and I am having difficulty finding information on the Jesuit owned cacao plantations. I would like information on this area and time frame in general, but I have decided to focus on this area first just because it seems interesting. Would appreciate any input and everyone have a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa and whatever else that is celebrated at this time of year.
updated by @Mari: 04/13/15 09:58:09
rockvillage
@rockvillage
12/11/08 03:25:32
3 posts

Sources for (natural) cocoa powder


Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

Well, I'm always up for a taste-test! :) I think the Domori was probably closer to $3 per 100 gm, but I'm not certain. Chocosphere now has a Grenada (blend) Cocoa Powder that sounds interesting.Have you tried the powder from Penzey's Spice? I'm wondering how it compares to some of the other options.
Clay Gordon
@Clay Gordon
12/09/08 22:09:06
1,689 posts

Sources for (natural) cocoa powder


Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

I just put the info out there. I did notice the price difference (Domori is somewhere in the middle, but probably closer to the Askinosie). In the end, it's about whether or not you think the taste is special enough and you'll never know until you taste it. You might be able to purchase the powder in bulk at a lower cost without the fancy package. I have a bag of it here (Shawn sent it to me cause he's my friend and he sends me most everything he makes for me to taste). It's the same origin as the Soconusco bars and nibs so the beans are something unusual.
rockvillage
@rockvillage
12/09/08 19:04:11
3 posts

Sources for (natural) cocoa powder


Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

Thank you for the links.I found my (empty) box of cocoa powder, and indeed it is Domori. And indeed, I can't find it.Yikes! That Askinosie powder is a bit steep in price. $7.06 per 100 gms. The Vintage Plantations one is $1.21 per 100 gms. That's a big difference. Hard to believe it is good enough to warrant that type of premium.
Clay Gordon
@Clay Gordon
12/09/08 10:42:52
1,689 posts

Sources for (natural) cocoa powder


Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

Vintage Plantations origin Ecuador Askinosie Chocolate origin Soconusco, MexicoI also believe that Valrhona's "Cacao Gastronomie" is also natural.
rockvillage
@rockvillage
12/08/08 14:27:13
3 posts

Sources for (natural) cocoa powder


Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

If this has been discussed, please direct me. I've searched a few different ways, but it's pretty easy to miss things.I love to drink my hot cocoa. I have my own recipe, because I dislike any versions you can buy. I use 1 teaspoon sugar, 2 teaspoons instant non-fat dry milk, and 3 teaspoons natural cocoa powder per mug. I prefer the natural to the dutched powder, although I have to use one of those little aerolatte mixers to get it to blend nicely.Hershey's cocoa powder is certainly drinkable, but it really pales in comparison to some others I have tried.I am wondering if people here have some favorite cocoa powders, and where they get them.I'm sorry to say I can't remember the name of one I was particularly fond of. It might have been Domori. It called itself a 'trinitario style' cocoa powder. I had gotten it from Chocosphere, but they do not seem to have it (whatever brand it was) right now.Anne
updated by @rockvillage: 04/07/25 13:00:14
jean-francois Bonnet
@jean-francois Bonnet
12/17/08 08:38:49
4 posts

Special Holiday Chocolate Offers for Chocolate Life Members


Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

We also will do a holiday offer, (also because we just launched our site! ), just add to the delivery address C/O thechocolatelife.com and a 15% discount will apply to your order. You will not see the discount at check out but it will be applied on the invoice....happy holidays!Cheers!JF www.tumbadorchocolate.com
Alan McClure
@Alan McClure
12/10/08 08:58:24
73 posts

Special Holiday Chocolate Offers for Chocolate Life Members


Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

Hi all,I've got a nice holiday special for all Chocolate Life Members.If you order by December 19th at the latest, and you type "CHOCOLATE LIFE" in the "COMMENTS" field ( note: NOT the "coupon code" field), I'll include a complimentary Patric Chocolate bar in your order.Best of all, the current discounts on gift sets and any relevant free shipping discounts will still apply to your order.Order here: http://www.Patric-Chocolate.com Very best,Alan
Annette Jimison
@Annette Jimison
12/09/08 21:40:46
14 posts

Special Holiday Chocolate Offers for Chocolate Life Members


Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

Is anyone selling samples of beans? I would love to buy a pound of cacao beans, say, six different varieties. Some that are super chocolate and some that have the different nuances artisans love to find in their beans. Email me!!! It's my present to myself!Hey, Clay, you putting together a Sampler Box? I'm in!Annette
Reonne (aka Choco Mama)
@Reonne (aka Choco Mama)
12/09/08 13:42:27
1 posts

Special Holiday Chocolate Offers for Chocolate Life Members


Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

Special Holiday Offer for The Chocolate Life members only! 15% Off Organic Gourmet Fudge Visit our website to see larger photo: www.earthssweetpleasures.com and place order.Please use Promotional Code: CLM1208 on the check-out page.
Holly
@Holly
12/09/08 11:41:37
1 posts

Special Holiday Chocolate Offers for Chocolate Life Members


Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

Give your sweety the trip of a lifetime! 10% off Chocolate Weeks at Cotton Tree Lodge in Belize Check out our Chocolate Week itineraries on The Chocolate Life Event Page or on our website at www.cottontreelodge.com . Pick cacao off the trees, visit the Toledo Cacao Grower's Association, and leave with bars you made yourself! 8 days, 7 nights, includes accommodation, airport transfers, all meals, excursions, and taxes. February 8th- 15th, 2009 and May 17th - 25th, 2009. Contact holly@cottontreelodge.com for more information, and mention that you heard about us on "The Chocolate Life" to receive a discount.
Andrea Nadel
@Andrea Nadel
12/08/08 12:09:49
3 posts

Special Holiday Chocolate Offers for Chocolate Life Members


Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

Special offer from Gourmet Walks and the San Francisco Gourmet Chocolate Tour .10% off gift certificates for the Chocolate Tour and our new Chocolate and Wine Tour.Visit http://www.gourmetwalks.com/html/gift_certificates.html and use offer code: GWteo0809Check out our new Chocolate Heart designer t-shirts too!
Laurie Douglass
@Laurie Douglass
12/08/08 08:02:26
2 posts

Special Holiday Chocolate Offers for Chocolate Life Members


Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

Special offer from Laurie Douglass of Laurie's ChocolatesBuy any Hot Cocoa Mix - choose from Chocolate Dreams Original, Buckingham Blend Dark, Kickin' Cayenne and ChocoMinty and receive FREE CHOCOLATE BAR. When placing order on Billing page, please type in TheChocolateLife under Comments to receive free bar. http://www.laurieschocolates.com/
Sacred Steve
@Sacred Steve
12/08/08 07:48:16
116 posts

Special Holiday Chocolate Offers for Chocolate Life Members


Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

Special Holiday Offer from Sacred Steve of Sacred Chocolate!Buy 6 or more Sacred Chocolate Heart Bars throught December 22nd and receive a 7th "Mystery" Heart Bar for FREE! DON'T FORGET TO USE DISCOUNT CODE: "TheChocolateLife" upon checkout!Order Now ---> http://www.SacredChocolate.com Hearts!Sacred Steve
Clay Gordon
@Clay Gordon
12/08/08 07:25:41
1,689 posts

Special Holiday Chocolate Offers for Chocolate Life Members


Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

A ChocolateLife member e-mailed me last week asking if it would be possible to let other ChocolateLife members know of a special offer she was willing to make - to provide a discount to ChocolateLife members who place an order this Holiday Season.It's taken me a few days to figure out how to fit this in to the site neatly and cleanly because I am determined to keep TheChocolateLife as spam-free as possible. I don't want to do anything to compromise the flow of communication among and between ChocolateLife members that is developing by overwhelming everyone all the time with ads and such like.So I am trying an experiment this year. If you are a ChocolateLife member who sells chocolate products, I invite you to make a special offer to other ChocolateLife members this holiday season and post a link to the offer as a reply to this discussion. Please be very specific about the nature of the special offer (see my examples, below). It could be an upgrade to free shipping or a discount, or a bogo (buy one, get one) - whatever you feel like offering other ChocolateLife members. Please identify yourself (either by your real name or your ChocolateLife member name) as well as the name of your company. Please also limit the number of special offers to 5 or fewer. You may post up to one photo for each item as long as they are no larger than 300x300 pixels and are under 100k each. Finally, your offer must have something to do with chocolate - any offer for non-chocolate items or that misleadingly links to an offer for non-chocolate items will be deleted.This experiment is FREE to all ChocolateLife members who wish to make Special Offers to other ChocolateLife members. All I ask that you do in return is:A) Use a special coupon or promotion code so that you can track the referrals from the site.B) After the holidays share some information with me - how many orders and the value of the orders. I don't want you to give me any money (this year), and I don't want to know the names of the ChocolateLife members who placed the orders.Happy Holidays every one!:: Clay Special Offers from Clay Gordon/TheChocolateLife.com 1 bar Felchlin Criolait 38% milk - $15 includes FREE USPS regular mail shipping. 3 bars Felchlin Criolait 38% milk - $45 includes FREE Upgrade to USPS Priority Mail shipping. ON SALE NOW - $40. 1 lb Guittard Cocoa Rouge Cocoa Powder . $10 includes FREE USPS regular mail shipping. 3 lbs Guittard Cocoa Rouge Cocoa Powder . $30 include FREE Upgrade to USPS Priority Mail shipping.
updated by @Clay Gordon: 04/07/25 13:00:14
Brad Churchill
@Brad Churchill
04/19/09 02:57:14
527 posts

Liquors for use in chocolate ganaches


Posted in: Tasting Notes

If you want to infuse a citrus flavour into your ganache, why don't you just zest some oranges or other citrus fruits, and simmer the zest with the cream for a while?Here at Choklat, we peel thick skinned navel oranges with a potato peeler (keeps the pith away from the peel and is WAY quicker than using a zester, plus when it's strained, all of the pieces get caught in teh strainer), chop it into lengths, and then simmer the peels with the cream for about 10-15 minutes. The flavour is AMAZING, and 100% natural.Just make sure to use a milk chocolate with your ganache, or you risk overpowering the delicate orange flavour with the dark chocolate.Brad.
April Camilla
@April Camilla
04/15/09 12:49:35
1 posts

Liquors for use in chocolate ganaches


Posted in: Tasting Notes

I've always wanted to experiment with chocolate ganaches infused with sometime of citrus flavor. I've used Cointreau before and thought it was alright. And then I moved on to the Mandarin Napolean which was even better. Southern Comfort?? I would've never guessed! I'm even more interested in trying the Asian liqueur TY KU, though. With all those different flavors it sounds delicious. I've never heard of this spirit before, any ideas on where I can find it??This list is VERY useful, thank you!
Edward
@Edward
12/21/08 15:06:16
22 posts

Liquors for use in chocolate ganaches


Posted in: Tasting Notes

Don't really go much for liqueurs, waaay too much sugar, not enough booze, (they usually run at about 22%) and the flavours are usually added. I do use Grand marnier and Kahluha, but that's about it. The run of the mill liqueurs don't have enough "power" to shine through the ganache, and the sugar in them is too much.That being said, I'm a big fan of eau de vies, or fruit brandies. These are the real thing: Pure booze, no sugar, and the flavour is real, not added, macerated, or blended (and no artificial colours that work themselves into many liqueurs). A fruit brandy is made just like regualr brandy: Appropriate fruit is harvested and made into wine, then the wine is destilled. These usally run at about 40-50% alc content (80-100 proof for the U.S.)They pack a wallop of flavour for the amount used, and the booze doesn't hurt the shelf life either....The usual ones include:Calvados--AppleKirsch--CherryWilliams-PearPlumMirabelleRaspberryBrandy of course--grape
Debby
@Debby
12/21/08 10:51:15
10 posts

Liquors for use in chocolate ganaches


Posted in: Tasting Notes

I make my own liqueurs. Just finished off a Creme de Menthe, a Creme de Cocoa and a coffee liqueur. A friend kindly contributed a gallon of frozen, wild crafted blackberries from last summer, so now there is a blackberry liqueur brewing.Anybody else make their own?
Annette Jimison
@Annette Jimison
12/08/08 03:18:54
14 posts

Liquors for use in chocolate ganaches


Posted in: Tasting Notes

I am needing to put a database together for all of us that don't have extensive knowledge of which liquor is the best flavor for it's kind, i.e., which one of all the orange liquors has the truest orange flavor, which of the raspberry, etc. I have found a list of all the liquors, from wikipedia. Their list is extensive. After looking at the list, is there a way to do a poll on which ones are the favorites of users? Perhaps this list is not all that there is out there, but, I would like to know the favorites from members who have knowledge in this area. If this could be moved to a more appropriate area, Clay, please change it's location. And, can we put a polling box with it somehow? Also, if there is a favorite that is not listed, please email me and I will include it.Thanks!Here is the list:Chocolate liqueurs* Afrikoko (coconut and chocolate)* Ashanti Gold* Cadbury Cream Liqueur* Creme de Cacao* Dwersteg's Organic Chocolate Cream Liqueur* Liqueur Fogg* Godiva Dark Chocolate, White Chocolate and Cappuccino liqueurs* Mozart Gold (milk chocolate), Mozart White (white chocolate),Mozart Black (dark chocolate), Amade ChocOrange (dark chocolatewith blood-orange distillate) liqueurs* Royal Mint-Chocolate Liqueur* Vermeer Dutch Chocolate Cream Liqueur* VandermintCoffee liqueurs* Allen's Coffee Brandy* Vibe Robusta Coffee Liqueur* Bols Coffee Liqueur* Cafe Britt Coffee Liqueur* Cafe Oriental* Caffe Borghetti* Coloma* Copa De Oro* Duchalet Cafe Liqueur* Dwersteg's Organic Coffee Liqueur* The Evil Monk* Kahlea* Kamora* Keuck Terkisch Mokka* Kona Gold* Kosaken Kaffee* De Kuyper Creme de Cafe* Mokatika* Sabroso* Sheridan's* Starbucks Coffee Liqueur* Tia Maria* Toussaint Coffee LiqueurCream liqueurs* Amarula (sugar, cream, and the fruit of the African marula tree)* Baileys Irish Cream* Carolans* Dooley's* Drumgray Highland Cream Liqueur* Dulce de Leche Liqueur (Caribbean rum, caramel and cream)* Dwersteg's Organic Coffee Cream Liqueur* Hare Turkish Coffee Cream Liqueur* KeKe Beach (lime cream)* McCormick's Irish Cream* Merlyn Cream Liqueur* Mozart Gold Chocolate Cream* Mozart White Chocolate Cream* O'Leary's Irish Cream* Ponche Caribe* Ponche crema* Ponche Diva* Ponche Kuba* Sangster's* Saint Brendan's Irish Cream Liqueur* Spirit of Liberty America's Cream Liqueur (1/3 less caloriesthan Bailey's)* Starbucks Cream Liqueur* Vermeer Dutch Chocolate Cream Liqueur* Voyant Chai Cream (a chai-flavoured liqueur containing oak-agedrum, cream, black tea, vanilla, and spices)* Kk Beach Key Lime Cream LiqueurCreme liqueurs* Creme de Banane* Creme de cacao* Creme de cassis* Creme de Cerise* Creme de menthe* Creme de Noyaux* Creme de Rose* Creme de violette* Parfait d'AmourFruit liqueurs* Amabilli (banana)* Aurum (rum, tea, and tangerines)* Bajtra e Maltese liqueur (prickly pear)* Cosa Gialla (citrus fruits)* Cointreau (orange)* Cuarenta Y Tres/Licor 43 (citrus, vanilla)* Curaeao (bitter orange)* DeKuyper Pomegranate (pomegranate)* Destinee (tropical fruit)* Dwersteg's Organic Orange Liqueur* Espiritu del Ecuador (20 Ecuadoran fruits, including peach,chocolate, cherry, and almond)* Grand Marnier (orange)* GRAPeRO (pink grapefruit)* Hideous (potato neutral spirit, with added natural flavorsderived from berries grown in the state of Washington, includingraspberries and other berries and citrus fruits)* Hpnotiq (tropical fruit)* KeKe Beach (lime cream)* Kruekovac (pear)* Kwai Feh (lychee)* Ly Shan (lychee)* Lichido (vodka, cognac, lychee and guava essences, and whitepeach juice)* Limoncello (lemon)* Mandarine Napoleon (mandarin)* Manzana verde (green apple)* Medronho (strawberry tree/arbutus)* Midori (melon)* 99 bananas (99-proof banana-flavored schnapps)* NUVO (fruit nectars and sparkling chardonnay and pinot noirwines)[16]* PAMA (pomegranate)* Passoe (passion fruit; also comes in mango, pineapple, andcoconut flavors)* Pisang Ambon ((banana)* Pucker (apple)* Triple sec (orange)* X-Rated Fusion Liqueur (blood orange, mango and passion fruit)Berry liqueurs* 99 Berries* Blueberry* Buckthorn* Cherry Heering (cherry)* Chambord (raspberry)* Cloudberry* Ginjinha (cherry)* Guavaberry (guavaberry)* Guignolet (wild cherry)* Hare Ahududu (raspberry)* Hare Vine (sour cherry)* Hideous (potato neutral spirit, with added natural flavorsderived from berries grown in the state of Washington [includingraspberries and other berries and citrus fruits)* Lakka (cloudberry)* Lillehammer (lingonberry)* Lingonberry* Maraschino (cherry)* Murtado (Ugni molinae berries)* Polar Cranberry* Prunelle (plum)* Razzmatazz (raspberry)* Sloe gin* Damson gin* Whidbeys (loganberry)Flower liqueurs* Creme de Rose (rose)* Creme de violette (violet)* Creme Yvette (violet, vanilla)* Fior d'Alpi (alpine flowers, herbs)* Lavender Liqueur (lavender)]* Liqueur de Rose (rose)* Liqueur de Violette (violet)* Meikueilu Chiew (Mey Kwei Loo Liqueur) (rose)* My Rose (rose, with a whole rose in the bottle)* Rosolio (rose)* St-Germain (elderflower)* Shan Hibiscus (hibiscus, coconut)* Shan Lotus (lotus, passion fruit)* Shan Rose (rose, lychee)* Xaica (Hibiscus)Herbal liqueursNote: the exact recipes of many herbal liqueurs (which may contain upto 50 or more different herbs) are often closely guarded tradesecrets. The primary herbal ingredients are listed where known.Anise-flavored liqueursNote: Absinthe, Arak, Rak, and similar anise-flavored beveragescontain no sugar and thus are flavored liquors rather than liqueurs.* Aguardiente/Aguardente e Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Portugal* Anes e Spain* Anisetta e Italy* Anisette e France* Alpestre - Italy* Cosa Nera - Italy* Arquebuse de l'Hermitage - France* Galliano e Italy* Hierbas de Mallorca e Majorca* Herbsaint e United States* Mastica e Bulgaria* Mistre - Italy* Oghi e Armenia* Ouzo e Greece* Pastis e France* Passione Nera - Italy* Patxaran e Spain* Pernod Fils* Pernod Ricard* Sambuca e Italy* Vespetre - Italy* Xtabenten e MexicoOther herbal liqueurs* Amaro* Becherovka (anise seeds, cinnamon, and other herbs)* Beireo (seeds and herbs from around the world)* Benedictine (cognac with 27 plants and spices)* Canton (spirits, brandy, six varieties of ginger, ginseng, andhoney)* Chartreuse (130 herbal extracts)* Demenovka (14 herbs and honey)* Everglo (tequila, vodka, caffeine, and ginseng)* Danzig Goldwasser (gold leaf, roots, and herbs)* Goldschleger (cinnamon, with gold leaf)* Jegermeister (56 herbs)* Krupnik (honey and up to 50 different herbs)* Kemmel (caraway seed, cumin, and fennel)* Mastichato (mastic resin)* Menta (peppermint liqueur)* Metaxa* Minttu (peppermint)* Paan (betel leaf, betel nuts, saffron, cardamom, sandalwood, andother herbs and spices)* Riga Black Balsam (Rigas Melnais Balzams)* Strega (70 herbs, including mint, fennel, and saffron)* Unicum (more than 40 herbs)* Zen (matcha green tea from Kyoto, Japan, with lemon grass andother herbs.Nut-flavored liqueurs* Amaretto (almonds, or the almond-like kernels from apricots,peaches, cherries, or similar stone fruits)* Dumante (pistachio)* Frangelico (hazelnuts and herbs)* Kahana Royale (macadamia nut)* Nocello (walnut and hazelnut)* Nocino (unripe green walnuts)* Ratafia (brandy flavored with almonds, fruit, or fruit kernels -also a flavored biscuit)Whisky liqueurs* Bruadar (Scotch whisky, honey, sloe)* Cock of the North (single malt, blaeberry)* Drambuie (Scotch, heather honey, herbs, and spices)* Eblana (Irish whiskey, coffee, honey, almond, peanut)* Famous Grouse liqueur (Scotch, bourbon, citrus, spicrs)* Glayva (Scotch, Seville oranges, herbs, and honey)* Glenfiddich Malt liqueur (Scotch, citrus, pear, brown sugar)* Glenturret Malt liqueur (Glenturret single malt, honey, spices)* Irish Mist (aged Irish whiskey, heather and clover honey,aromatic herbs, and other spirits)* Jeremiah Weed (Bourbon whiskey, orange, vanilla)* Lochan Ora (Chivas, honey, herbs and spices)* Murray Scottish Highland Liqueur (Scotch, honey, sloe)* Old Pulteney liqueur (Old Pulteney single malt, prune, spices)* Orangerie (Scotch, oranges, spices)* Rock and rye (American rye whiskey, citrus, rock candy)* Stag's Breath (Speyside malts and fermented comb honey)* Sundakanchi (rice-based)* Wallace Liqueur (Deanston single malt, Scottish berries, Frenchherbs)* Wild Turkey American Honey (Wild Turkey (bourbon, honey,spices)* Yukon Jack (Canadian whiskey, honey)Other liqueurs* Advocaat (egg yolks and vanilla)* Aftershock (several varieties, most popular of which is cinnamon)* Aurum (rum, tea, and tangerines)* Baczewski* Berenjeger (honey)* Campari (bitter and aromatic herbs, plants, and fruit)* Cynar (artichoke and other herbs and plants)* Damiana* Genepi* Izarra (numerous herbs and other flavorings)* Jumbie (rum liqueur)* Licor de oro (whey, saffron and lemon peel)* Kajmir (vanilla, brandy, and vodka)* Patxaran (sloe berries, coffee beans, and vanilla pod)* Pimento (not the peppers stuffed into olives, but Allspice.* Qi (lapsang souchong tea, fruits, spices, and Chardonnay brandy)* Qi White (orange, ginger, clove, other herbs and spices, and white tea)* Rumpleminze (peppermint)* Sabra liqueur (dark chocolate and Sabra oranges)* Salmiakki Koskenkorva (Salmiakkikossu, salmari) (salmiakki eOriginally Turkish Pepper salty licorice)* Southern Comfort (neutral grain spirits with whiskey, peach,orange and spice flavorings)* Tsipouro* St. Germain (elderflower)* Tuaca (brandy, vanilla, and citrus)* TY KU (Asian spirit base (sake and soju), with yuzu, honeydew,mangosteen, green tea, wolfberry, and ginseng)* Vana Tallinn (rum, citrus oil, vanilla, cinnamon, and other spices)* Voyant Chai Cream (a chai-flavoured liqueur containing oak-agedrum, cream, black tea, vanilla, and spices)* Y Chilli (cinnamon, chili peppers, and other ingredients)
updated by @Annette Jimison: 04/09/15 21:47:58
Clay Gordon
@Clay Gordon
01/20/09 17:31:04
1,689 posts

dark choc


Posted in: Allow Me to Introduce Myself

Frank:Thanks for jumping in and offering a new perspective on this topic.When I started writing about chocolate in 2001 I, like many others, used the term single-origin. As I started doing the research for my book in 2006 and set about trying to describe what single-origin meant, I quickly ran up against its limitations. What does "single-origin" mean when the single origin is an entire country as large as Venezuela and the beans might be a mix of beans from several growing areas?For the book I adopted the simpler form "origin chocolate" to describe any chocolate that lists the source of beans used in its making. The origin can be very broad (an entire country - Madagascar), fairly specific (a growing region such as 'Sambirano Valley, Madagascar'), or very specific (a plantation - Hacienda Elvesia, El Valle, Dominican Republic).I have come to prefer the simpler form and whenever the conversation goes in that direction I recommend its use.Welcome to TheChocolateLife -:: Clay
Frank Schmidt
@Frank Schmidt
01/20/09 15:38:29
28 posts

dark choc


Posted in: Allow Me to Introduce Myself

Hello Marcus and DEFOE,You should be able to get some good feedback on the subject of single origin dark chocolate at this site from the chocophiles here. Clay Gordon has a listing of flavor profiles of the beans for sale listed by country of origin at: http://www.thechocolatelife.com/forum/topics/cocoa-beans-at-great-prices The above is on another page on this site.Ive seen some dispute regarding the term single origin as it is really a single country of origin from which the beans are sourced. It looks like there would be many farms and estates in each growing region in each producing country so some say that single origin is not really accurate and doesnt tell you much if it is just referring to a country. Maybe the term grand cru is a way of more specifically locating the source within country. Would that refer to an estate farm which the chocolate maker regards more highly than others within the country?I see at the Histoire Sucree site you refer to that some of the chocolate for sale is identified by source country of the beans. Most consumers in the developed countries dont have a chance to taste chocolate from a single source country because finished chocolate is so often made up of blends of beans. I guess for that reason, there arent established flavor profiles which are common knowledge in chocolate such as exists in the wine trade. The flavor descriptions listed for Clays un-roasted beans are pretty near the same as John Nancis descriptors over at the Chocolate Alchemy of beans which he has for sale. The various beans which Ive roasted and processed at home follow the described profiles pretty well when I roasted them each to the suggested level. Its important not to add unnecessary ingredients when processing so that you can really taste the flavors of the bean not the additives.The best example I have is the Madagascar chocolate. This is profoundly different (I get less chocolate notes up front and very strong fruity notes (raspberry as described by others) with an extremely long finish. I roasted my Madagascar batch light as suggested; and processed with half vanilla bean per 4 pounds of chocolate liquor with 2 pounds of white cane sugar and 2 oz of added cocoa butter. The bean flavor carries through very nicely and is really remarkable ; absolutely unique as compared to the other beans listed on the C.Alchemy site. I hope to try some of Clays beans for comparison in future roasts.The only way I could understand flavor profiles of chocolate by country of origin is by home roasting. I know there are single origin bars available but not so many that you could compare them at different roast levels and as blends of various roast levels (if you do this in the same processed batch.) Problem for some people with home roasting is that it does take a fair amount of equipment; may produce more finished chocolate than you want; doesnt give you any baking cocoa for pastry purposes and does take some time to process (if I roast on Friday evening I ought to have finished chocolate by Tuesday or Wednesday following- unless Im taking part of the batch to dark milk chocolate which will take another day or two.)It looks like the French chocolate bars you noted available are for the most part from countries which are also offered on the home roasting bean offering sites. It also looks like youd have to pay $30 per pound not including shipping. If you just want several ounces of a particular chocolate in 66% dark (thats usually what I do) let me know and Ill send you some of mine to sample. Its just a hobby for me but might be a good way for you to taste some unique chocolate. Im not to the point of selling anything as yet. Send me a note to: fhsdds at tri-lakes.net Also, see Shawn Askinosies web site at Askinosie.com; he has several single country of origin bars for sale and does a good web-based retail business.All the Best Tasting....Frank SchmidtMr. WineCandy
DEFEO
@DEFEO
01/18/09 04:17:10
2 posts

dark choc


Posted in: Allow Me to Introduce Myself

Hi Marcus,Like you, I love high quality chocolate but I don't really understand the difference between grand cru and single origin. I'd like to order these delicious looking chocolate bars from this French online store: http://www.histoiresucree.com/product_categories/chocolate_bars.html , but before I do, I'd like to know the difference between the different kinds. Could you give me some input on this?
marcus
@marcus
12/11/08 08:47:20
2 posts

dark choc


Posted in: Allow Me to Introduce Myself

Hello everyone,My name is Marcus I have been a chef for about 15years and definately have an obsession with good quality chocolate. In this discussion I would like to talk to anybody about the regions (varieties) of dark chocolate. From the beans to different flavours they produce,especially single origin chocolate. Thank you and look forward to hearing from you cheers marcus.
marcus
@marcus
12/08/08 01:18:18
2 posts

dark choc


Posted in: Allow Me to Introduce Myself

hi
updated by @marcus: 04/17/15 20:35:45
Munira M Bagasrawala
@Munira M Bagasrawala
12/09/08 09:18:04
3 posts

chocolate flowers


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

yes, Iwould like to know how to make them ,as I had seen a video on it but it wasnot clear.
Annette Jimison
@Annette Jimison
12/08/08 02:58:05
14 posts

chocolate flowers


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

do you have a question on how to make them? what is this discussion about?
Munira M Bagasrawala
@Munira M Bagasrawala
12/07/08 08:28:50
3 posts

chocolate flowers


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

seen many make flower with chocolates I am talking about hand made not sculpting
updated by @Munira M Bagasrawala: 12/13/24 12:16:07
Georgina Joey Ledlie
@Georgina Joey Ledlie
12/04/09 15:04:58
19 posts

solid cocao liquor


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

Hi , no I don't believe the shop has that. Hugs, joey
Sacred Steve
@Sacred Steve
12/04/09 14:18:38
116 posts

solid cocao liquor


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

I am interested in the pulp off of the beans. Do you have that?
Georgina Joey Ledlie
@Georgina Joey Ledlie
12/04/09 14:16:18
19 posts

solid cocao liquor


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

Hi Steve, The shop I used to get the solid cocoa liquor stopped selling it for a long time and then suddenly, there it was again. I am in Australia of course but if you want, I am happy to get you some and send it to you. The price the shop charges is $ 11.00 for quite a large cone shaped block. i have no idea what the postage would be. It is bitter to taste. I grate it over truffels.Hugs, joey
updated by @Georgina Joey Ledlie: 09/17/15 15:31:34
Sacred Steve
@Sacred Steve
12/04/09 04:17:46
116 posts

solid cocao liquor


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

Hey Eric,I would LOVE to try that! Where do I get it?Steve
Georgina Joey Ledlie
@Georgina Joey Ledlie
12/03/09 16:19:32
19 posts

solid cocao liquor


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

Hiya, I wonder why that is happening ! ledliana@gil.com.au .... is the address. try again OK ?How are you ?hugs, joey
Patrick Murphy
@Patrick Murphy
12/03/09 15:51:19
1 posts

solid cocao liquor


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

Joey I have tried to answer your e-mail but my mail gets returned Uncle Patrickbritishstuff@aul.com
Georgina Joey Ledlie
@Georgina Joey Ledlie
12/08/08 00:12:36
19 posts

solid cocao liquor


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

hello... Ok... I am going to be bold and ask...Please forgive me if you think I am too bold. I am a newcomer to all of this and to this site. Perhaps I am over stepping the mark. If I am please tell me.I want to try to make raw chocolate with the cocao liquor that I bought. I also have a small amount of cacao butter.I need a recipe with amounts of each item please, so that I can give it a try.. I would appreciate any help you give me very much. Thank you in advance.Blessings, joey
Tom
@Tom
12/07/08 20:43:42
205 posts

solid cocao liquor


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

Thanks Joey, I have sent you an email so you have mine now.
James Cary
@James Cary
12/07/08 18:45:22
32 posts

solid cocao liquor


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

The agave nectar says its liquid. Is this more of a ganache? Although, the amount of nectar is quite a bit smaller 1/4 cup to 2 3/4 cup cocoa + carob (albeit, 2 cups are added butter. mmm butter). Are there troubles with seizing?
Georgina Joey Ledlie
@Georgina Joey Ledlie
12/07/08 17:39:36
19 posts

solid cocao liquor


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

Hi Tom, I shall find out all I can for you. if you want I can buy for you and post it to you too.Blessings, joey .........my email... ledliana@gil.com.au
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