Forum Activity for @Dirke Botsford

Supporting cocoa buyers and seller, investing in the future

Posted in: Opinion

This is how I support cocoa growers/buyers and sellers and thought you may like this route?
I support entrepreneurs by investing in there business temporarily by helping to provide them with capital for investment. In my opinion it's a great way to sustain and create new ventures in cocoa.

If you are not familiar with it please check it out - http://www.kiva.org Look under fundraising and then food. I am in no way affiliated with this organization, I just think it's good.

updated by @Dirke Botsford: 04/20/15 15:32:27

Chocolate tours in several cities

Posted in: Travels & Adventures

If you make it to Ann Arbor, you must make a stop to Zingerman's Deli. They have a great Chocolate Lady, Duff, who can show you their outstanding retail department. They don't make their own candy but do make their own gelato and baked goods. I don't remember the company's name, but Duff carries a "truffle of the month" from a local candy maker. Ask her for the details and she can lead you to all the local foodie sights worth seeing.

Chocolate tours in several cities

Posted in: Travels & Adventures

Love, love, love Recchiutti! I met Michael at one of the NY Chocolate Shows and he was so nice and down to earth too.

Chocolate tours in several cities

Posted in: Travels & Adventures

Hi Clay,I know you said Portland ,but Seattle isn't that far...I am a Chocolatier with Dove Chocolate Discoveries (TM) in the Seattle area which is great chocolate ,but there are some amazing chocolate makers here that are worth the trip like...Seattle ChocolatesRocky Mountain Chocolate FactoryOh ChocolateTheo Chocolate IncFran's ChocolatesChocolati Cafe WallingfordChocolopolisDilettante ChocolateWe also have the International Chocolate Salon on July,11th 2010 where you could meet and eat from them all.Denise

Chocolate tours in several cities

Posted in: Travels & Adventures

Sure Clay, sorry...kind of an extensive list.San Francisco:Cocoa BellaRecchiuttiScharffenberger/Joseph Schmidt (Pier 1)Tcho (Pier 17...walked by...wasn't open)Candy Shop on Pier 39 near the back - can't remember the name...mainly imported candy, but had homemade candy apples)GhiradelliChristopher ElbowFog City NewsChicago and LA - I will have to post later. I need to refer to my tour book.Danielle

Chocolate tours in several cities

Posted in: Travels & Adventures

Danielle:The whole idea of a discussion like this is that this information is public and shared. So I wouldappreciate your sharing it and not asking people to e-mail/message you and keep it private.:: Clay

Chocolate tours in several cities

Posted in: Travels & Adventures

Hi Gary-I have created my own chocolate tours of San Francisco, Los Angeles and Chicago....depending upon how long you have and whether you are renting a car, I can definately suggest some locations for you to visit. Email me if you would like and I can help you with San Francisco (I made it to 7 stores in 4 hours walking and taking the bus). I can also suggest other confectionery stops as well if you are seeking them.

Chocolate tours in several cities

Posted in: Travels & Adventures

I'd be happy to speak with you. You can reach me at vconyngham@gmail.com.

Chocolate tours in several cities

Posted in: Travels & Adventures

Some Portland chocolate highlights --- Chocosphere (the dominant mail order lifeline for serious consumers nationwide).- Cacao (for quality of the selection and knowledge level of the staff, the best chocolate retailer I've seen).- Sahagun Handmade Chocolates (Elizabeth Montes, chocolatier).- Alma Chocolate (Sarah Hart, chocolatier).- Xocolatl de David (David Briggs, chocolatier; see his site for where his products are available; worth calling ahead to ensure a good selection).

Chocolate tours in several cities

Posted in: Travels & Adventures

Hi,I am in Boston now. Thanks for the suggestions. If there is a chance I hope to talk to you personally. I have sent you friend request. Maybe we can chat a bit more. Thanks.

Chocolate tours in several cities

Posted in: Travels & Adventures

In Portland OR, go to Alma Chocolates. Sarah Hart is the owner. She can be contacted via this website or hers.

Chocolate tours in several cities

Posted in: Travels & Adventures

Hi Gary,I lead Chocolate Tours in San Francisco and would be happy to talk to you about the best chocolate spots to visit. My company is Gourmet Walks and our tours include tastings at 7 different downtown spots. Feel free to email me at anadel@gourmetwalks.com and we can discuss further. There are many to choose from!thanks,Andrea

Chocolate tours in several cities

Posted in: Travels & Adventures

These are in addition to Brendan's suggestions. Taste of Chocolate is a new company on the Boston chocolate scene, they do chocolate tours in Boston's Back Bay, Beacon Hill and South End (a Cambridge tour will be coming soon). They also do chocolate truffle making workshops, which I developed and lead about twice per month (it's offered every Saturday and there is an alternate teacher when I'm not there), either are a fun way to spend a weekend. Contact me if you want more information on them. Other places worth a visit - Hotel Chocolat in Boston's Back Bay has very informative tastings in their tasting room at the back of their store on Newbury Street, Max Brenner is opening up a shop in Boston (Back Bay, Boylston Street) this winter and LA Burdick is a must stop for their hot chocolate and their handmade chocolates. LA Burdick is in Cambridge. Depending on when you'll be in Boston there is also the Chocolate Buffet at Langham Hotel in downtown Boston, it runs September until June.

Chocolate tours in several cities

Posted in: Travels & Adventures

Boston's chocolate scene has fallen off in recent years, but Aroa isn't bad. They're backed by El Rey and use their chocolate exclusively. Taza in Somerville makes "stone ground" chocolate bean-to-bar; they're worth visiting if you're not familiar with their product.

Chocolate tours in several cities

Posted in: Travels & Adventures

What media outlet are you on assignment for?

Chocolate tours in several cities

Posted in: Travels & Adventures

I am on an assignment and will travel to Ann Arbor, New York, Boston/Cambridge, San Francisco, Portland. I am soliciting advices on chocolate/dessert spots to visit. Thanks a lot.
updated by @Gary Shieh: 04/10/15 19:52:43

Bar Packaging

Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

I wholesale truffles, bon bons, and other confections. I have recently received requests for specialty bars. I am not sure where to start with the packaging for bars. I have seen the machines at shows but do not think I will do enough volume to justify the cost. What have you found to be the best way to package small run bars?

updated by @Brad Payton: 04/11/25 09:27:36

Chocolate Fillings

Posted in: Recipes

This is great information...thank you both so much! I am going to start experimenting this weekend. Wish me luck.

Chocolate Fillings

Posted in: Recipes

A tip to increase shelf life would be to add a touch of liqueur (choose one to compliment the fruit you choose) to your ganache.

Chocolate Fillings

Posted in: Recipes

Does anyone have a recipe for a good creamy fruit filling for my chocolate? I'm thinking along the lines of mango or strawberry...but I need it to be able to keep for a while without refrigeration.
updated by @Ronya R: 05/03/15 22:58:57

Stainless steel parts for santha 10 lb melanger

Posted in: News & New Products Press

Contact John Nanci at www.ChocolateAlchemy.com He sells the Santhas and various "OEM" parts.

Stainless steel parts for santha 10 lb melanger

Posted in: News & New Products Press

Does anyone have any connections to stainless steel parts for the small santha melanger?

updated by @benjamin bulik: 03/11/26 06:20:34

Tobago gets its own gourmet chocolate

Posted in: News & New Products Press

Pralus has made a new 100g bar from this years first Tobago Cocoa Estate harvest. According to Duane Dove it will be released in Europe August/September. Selected shops in France, Germany, Sweden and UK.

When FDA approved, probably late this autumn, you should be able to buy the bar in New York.

I've sampled a small piece but this chocolate istoo fresh to judge.

Tobago gets its own gourmet chocolate

Posted in: News & New Products Press

Tobago Cocoa Estate launched its 2010 Chocolate Bar this week. Read the pressrelease with a picture of the bar: Pressrelease (PDF)

Tobago gets its own gourmet chocolate

Posted in: News & New Products Press

Pralus Tobago 70% ismadeof beans from Tobago Cocoa Estate owned by Duane Dove:

http://www.newsday.co.tt/features/0,114493.html

Tobago Cocoa Estate website:

http://www.tobagococoa.com/

updated by @Masur: 03/11/26 06:20:34

Coco Town's Grindeur

Posted in: Uncategorized

I am looking for anyone who has had experiences with their Grindeur, small or large.
Thanks in Advance!
Charlie

updated by @Charlie: 04/12/15 18:24:21

Lana,Have you put together the group purchase yet? Do you have any idea what the shipping charges (or duty) to the US might be. I'm in Dallas, but imagine the exact destination doesn't have to big an impact on shipping costs. If I am figuring this correctly, the full set (7.5mm) runs about 1500 euro or about $2000 before discount and shipping.Michael
updated by @Michael Bodner: 11/19/15 09:48:37

liqueur filled chocolate

Posted in: News & New Products Press

Thanks Matt, I'll certainly get back to you if we finish up with a quality product. I'm a NZer who first went to Samoa in 1950 and has been there most of the time ever since. My wife is Samoan and her father will supply us with beans from his village plantation so we know we'll have no problem about the quality of the fermented and sun dried beans we get from him. Up till now he's been selling his beans to local producers of cakes of cocoa for drinking - a popular beverage in Samoa but unrefined and rather fatty to my taste. Drinkers load it with sugar.- Bob Rankin

liqueur filled chocolate

Posted in: News & New Products Press

Bob,Sounds like the beans have a lot of potential. I wish you luck. I am good friends with a few highly awarded chocolate makers. If the farmers would like to send samples of the beans, I could put you in touch. However, it would be best to wait until the drying issues are ironed out.I hope to hear more from you. I distribute expensive chocolate in the U.S. and would totally be willing to pay for samples when you are ready with finished product.Best,Matt

liqueur filled chocolate

Posted in: News & New Products Press

Thanks Matt. Samoa has trinitario beans and twenty years or so ago commanded a premiun price on the world market. This premium price was lost through inefficient and careless drying by many growers. With the growing reliance of the Government on foreign aid and remittances from overseas Samoans, and its neglect of agriculture, the industry is only a shadow of its former self - hopefully our project may help in a small way. As with all developing countries the main problem in setting up any new venture is finding the necessary finance - no such thing as equity financing or venture capital in our place. Just pay through the nose in exhorbitant bank interest on any loan and count yourself lucky to get it. Not the way to develop the potential of a country but nobody seems to care. Once again thanks to ChocolateLife and its followers for this interesting and helpful dialogue. - Bob Rankin

liqueur filled chocolate

Posted in: News & New Products Press

Brad,Your site is intriguing. Do you ship into the U.S.?Bob,What I meant is that it is hard to make good chocolate. You must start with good beans. I don't know what variety of beans you have in Samoa, but it is very important to ferment them correctly and many areas of the world do not.Many are making chocolate, few are producing great chocolate. The most common flavor killers are dramatic over roasting and/or WAY too much conching. Also the wholesale addition of vanilla to the point that it becomes the dominating flavor. Keep in mind not to over roast, not to over conch and not to add too much vanilla and you may have the chance of presenting the world with a unique product that is worth making instead of just buying pre made.Good luck and keep TheChocolateLife posted.Thanks,Matt

liqueur filled chocolate

Posted in: News & New Products Press

Thanks Brad. I've been scouring the net about making chocolate for the past few months and came upon that fascinating ChocolateAlchemy site early on. I also ordered Peter Greweling's book Chocolates and Confectionary from Amazon. It was recommended by an artisan chocolate maker from Australia contributing to my post on Chocolate Alchemy. Just got it the other day and it is a great help in understanding the process. Great to hear from people with similar interests willing to share their experience. Makes you feel good about life. - Bob Rankin

liqueur filled chocolate

Posted in: News & New Products Press

Bob;One great resource for getting you started on small scale chocolate production is a website called www.ChocolateAlchemy.com . John Nanci (the owner), sells everything you need to take chocolate right from the cocoa bean to the bar.I found his site about 5 years ago, and at that time started making chocolate recreationally with no formal training at all.His forum also has a wealth of information if you wish to pursue making chocolate yourself.Making chocolate really isn't that hard. The best part is that you get to savor all of your mistakes!CheersBrad Churchill www.SoChoklat.com

liqueur filled chocolate

Posted in: News & New Products Press

Thanks for your advice Matt. I'm sure you're right. I already make tropical fruit liqueurs and have tried so many other things in my 84 years to date and made them work that this is a challenge I can't resist. I'll let you know in another 4-5 months or so how things go. All the best - Bob

liqueur filled chocolate

Posted in: News & New Products Press

Robert,There is no cheap and reliable way to make chocolate. Making chocolate takes years of research and huge investments of time. I would highly recommend buying premade chocolate from a company who has already mastered it and then learning to fill chocolate. That would take a trip through pastry school to learn how to work with chocolate well enough to fill it with liquid.I don't mean to sound defeatist, but what you are talking about is two separate undertakings, both of which are labors of love and passion that will each require years of training before even attempting.Thanks,Matt

liqueur filled chocolate

Posted in: News & New Products Press

I live in Samoa where I produce passionfruit wine, brandy and liqueur and have access to lots of cocoa beans (theobroma). I'm thinking of small scale production of passion fruit liqueur filled chocolate but my knowledge of chocolate making from beans is restricted to what I've picked up scouring the net. Any advice on where to pick up cheap but reliable equipment and about how you insert the filling would be appreciated
updated by @Robert Frederick Rankin: 03/11/26 06:20:34

looking to buy a hilliard little dipper or a revolution x3210

Posted in: Opinion

Discussions about buying and selling equipment belong in the Classifieds group. So, I am closing the discussion here. If there is still a need on the part of the original poster, the thread can be restarted in Classifieds.:: Clay

looking to buy a hilliard little dipper or a revolution x3210

Posted in: Opinion

I've rented the x3210 before and had no problems. I've seen the Hilliards but it just was too tall for my liking. I did just order a Delta this week and the couple of extra features seemed valuable to me.From my research I found the best price at Chocosphere http://www.chocosphere.com/cgi-bin/webstore/web_store.cgi?page=/Products/chocovision.html&cart_id=1910374_16137

looking to buy a hilliard little dipper or a revolution x3210

Posted in: Opinion

I know it's a much smaller unit, but Dove Chocolate Discoveries is selling the Revolution 1 with chocolate and transfer sheets for $154 during the month of March only. At that price you could afford to get 2 units! I can send you more information if you're interested

looking to buy a hilliard little dipper or a revolution x3210

Posted in: Opinion

Oops I am looking at either the little dipper, the revolation x3210 or the revolation delta. Thank you

looking to buy a hilliard little dipper or a revolution x3210

Posted in: Opinion

Hi, I am just a hobby chocolate maker only producing about 500 pieces at a time and I am tired of tempering my chocolate on the stove. I am looking at a hilliard little dipper or a revolution x3210 but I cannot decide which one to buy. I hear the hilliards are built better but the revolution is easier to use. Also does anyone have the holy baffle for the revolution and if so does it work? Thank you for any information you can provide.
updated by @jared post: 04/30/15 19:41:31

alternative sweeteners ...

Posted in: Recipes

A common objection to using xylitol is the cooling effect due to the high negative heat of solution.