Forum Activity for @Kerry

Can't tell what the cost is on Alufoil - but I know that Chocalat-chocolat in Montreal carries coloured foil. 

I currently have been ordering 6"x7" foil sheets from Alufoil however with our weak Canadian dollar as well as fees and duties to ship cross border I am trying to find a supplier in Canada to order from. Does anyone know of one up here. Everything I see online is about 3-5 times the price of alufoil so in that case it still makes sense to pay those border fees.

Knowing the strength (or the 'fold') of the flavor is helpful to guide usage levels.  Most of what you're buying off the shelves is a single fold (single strength) - i might suggest a starting point of 0.1% on a weight basis and evaluate.

I've worked with some essential oils, however, that requires FAR less than that (as in 0.00000x%) - so little that it's hard to even measure it correctly.  It's pretty unlikely that's what you're finding, but it's always good to be aware that it's out there.

The title pretty much says it all.  I'm looking for some frames.  I'm looking for the Maratello 5 plastic frame set but the full size one, not the mini.  I'll take other frames too, 12x12x1/4" and 12x12x1/2" are the other sizes I want but I'm flexible. 

I'm also looking for frames for my pate defruit.

I love this perfect combination. Mint chocolate is one of my favorite flavors, I've tried them on teas and cheesecakes.  I'll try that product

Hello @honmeid,

Good for you!  I'm glad you made it and found employment.  I'm in the Ecole Chocolat program right now for making bean-to-bar chocolate, so I might look for a job at one of the bean-to-bar chocolate companies in the Seattle area after graduation.

I hope all goes well at Theo!

The Lorann oils doesn't seem to be cheaper, they sell it in a tiny amount of 1/8 oz

Ok so I just found this on their website. They offer for you to send in your old arm and they make the adjustment, this kind of tells me it is not that big of deal. Anyone know where I can get an assembly like this...Maybe Ace hardware?

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Hi!

I have a Cocoatown ECGC 12SL (the smallest machine they make) without a tension adjustment, my machine is about 2.5 years old. I have noticed it does not refine as fine as before and my chocolate is coming out consistently coarser and coarser, so I want to add a Tension adjustment. I know they sell a machine with the adjustment but I don't want to buy another when it looks like they just drilled through the top and added a turning knob. I have never seen one of these in person so I am going off only what they have on their website. I think it would be as easy as drilling through the top bar and adding an adjustable knob to push down on the spring already there...any thoughts?

Can someone direct me to a way I can make this modification without destroying my machine? Thanks.

In our case the taste is pretty good, both in milk and dark chocolates.

We have been selling the product in large quantities for years.

Hi - thanks for your interest!  I have someone else who expressed interest from a different forum so will be back in touch if they end up not taking them.  Elaine

Hey everyone,

I have a few culinary clients who are wanting shredded chocolate rather than in block form, which makes sense. I have researched equipment, even a few machines I could re-purpose and maybe get away with.

Im looking for a chocolate grater / flaker / shredder that someone isn't using and would like to sell. Or recommendations to specific pieces that you've used. Volume is minimal, maybe 5lbs / day (but willing to buy larger for scale).

Thanks!

I would be interested. Can you get me a shipping quote for 84403?

Update: I am alive and well in Seattle as of two months ago! I am currently working at Theo Chocolate as a chocolate production operator. 

FS Bulk wholesale bonbon packaging

Location: Boston

Cost: Free + shipping

We purchased these a couple of years ago for a wholesale account, but ended up not using them.  They're taking up a bit of space in our limited storage area and I'd love to move them on.  We've used just a few of them, maybe 5% of the stock at most.  We paid $205 (not including shipping), and would be delighted if someone would take them off our hands

http://tomric.com/packaging?product_id=3039

http://tomric.com/packaging?page=3

http://tomric.com/packaging?product_id=3037

FS: Double confectionary guitar with 4 frames (30mm x 2, 45 mm, 15mm) and metal slide.  Is in very good shape.  Do not have any repair parts to go with it.  

Location: Boston

Price: $900 + shipping

http://www.bakedeco.com/detail.asp?id=8790&trng=fgle&gclid=CPDNsuSwpcsCFYQfhgod2bYCPg

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All the aromatherapy stuff is hella overpriced - and often the taste isn't as great as the smell. I used Lorann for my latest experiments, which was easily available and better than the 3 different brands of aromatherapy oils I could get my hands on.

Thank you, helpful advises.

1 ml per kg is a lot less from what I would guess.

Do you know this product: http://il.iherb.com/Now-Foods-Essential-Oils-Peppermint-2-fl-oz-59-ml/21127

And from your point of view, how was the taste?

Peppermint oil from Sevarome.

Use 1 ml per 1 kg.

Do not add to the grinder or conche.

Add to liquid chocolate before tempering or even better just before depositing if you can mix it in well. This will reduce the clean up.

Please remember that chocolate absorbs flavours very well so you run a risk of everything smelling a bit minty if you are not careful while producing or cleaning. 

Gently used for only 1 year and like new. I am putting a link to the exact machine from ChocoVision here so you can compare the quality of what I am selling versus the new one.  Comes with 10 lb. hopper attachment,  1 bowl, 1 solid baffle, 1 holey baffle, instruction manual, 3 pack of scrapers, 1 baffle brush, set of knobs, 1 cover. The white plastic rim that sits between the bowl and machine got thrown away by a former employee, so that is the only part missing. Asking $1000 but will take reasonable offers. Located in New Orleans, LA. Contact me at kellyespivey@gmail.com if you have any questions.

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Hi,
Did anyone try to mix essential mint oil in chocolate?
It's a popular taste recently.
Which oil do you use?
how much oil approximately you need to 1 kg of chocolate?
boiling point to avoid from evaporation while in the grinder?

Thank you

Yes, we did. Of note: they'll tell you that shipping is included, but not that its only to your nearest port. You'll need to pick it up from there or pay a good amount of money to get it to you via a LTL intermediary. There will also be misc fees to bring the equipment in, paid at the port of entry... Also there are storage fees that can rack up pretty quickly at ports if you don't pick the equipment up or arrange for an intermediary to do so quickly, which is a little annoying since the arrival date is never set in stone. Santha didn't make this crystal clear to us, so the few hundred extra dollars and man hours we spent to finish the transaction was a sizeable annoyance. I say this to encourage you to ask lots of questions and to be prepared to jump on it when you receive notification that it has arrived. 

This is the only thing I've seen: http://www.packagemachinery.com/packagemachines/table-top-diefold-entry-level-wrapper/" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.packagemachinery.com/packagemachines/table-top-diefold-entry-level-wrapper/&source=gmail&ust=1463108640698000&usg=AFQjCNERyLG53PPluCqjHEiziBldqfeNBQ"> http://www.packagemachinery. com/packagemachines/table-top- diefold-entry-level-wrapper/

It's spendy - about $30K!

Hi Brian,

thanks for taking the time to reply. You have certainly helped me make up my mind and I will place an order for the 65lb chain driven machine tonight. Did you order from SanthaUSA.com?

Barry, is the pan still available?  Robert

Great adds to the discussion...thank you for your time!

CAT

Hey,

Please email me to discuss this product. I am located in Virginia. byrdeus at gmail.com. Thanks

I have 2 Hilliard little dippers for sale. I bought them brand new, I am the sole owner, I have had them for 5 years. They are in excellent condition. Each little dipper comes with a case of 100 watt incadescent light bulbs. Each bulb has a 10,000 hour life.

$1000 each. (shipping not included)

If local pick up, then the sale will include the stand. The stand is on wheels and hold about 8 half sheet bakers trays

Call with any questions.

201-424-6064

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I've used the smaller Spectra 11 units, and can confirm they burn out belts like crazy. The Spectra 40 however has been chain driven since we bought our unit a couple years ago, and I absolutely love it. Just make sure that if you buy a used one, you get one that's chain driven... We have of course had some issues with it over the years, with mixed results as to how quickly / easily of a time we've had getting spare or replacement parts. However, we did have the seal on the drum go out in less than a year from purchase, and Santha stood by their one year warranty and shipped us an entire new drum free of charge. Between this action and the price on these machines, I'm convinced they're the best option on the market right now if you're dedicated to refining with stone. 

Are these machines still available? Sent an email but haven't heard back..

Kerry,

Will you share your source for the flexible plastic guitar sheets?

I LOVE your chocolate shop. Wish you could pick it up and take it with you and hoping you are coming over to our side of the pond?

Hi,

thanks for the reply.

It sounds like a very good machine then. Thank you for sharing your view on it, its really helpful as for me being based in the UK these larger machines once shipped and customs sticking tax on it end up being very very expensive so chosing a good machine is crucial.

cheers,

James

Oh, understood.

I thought that maybe the chocolate starts to cool and solidify in the 10 hours and somehow the grinder is unable to start. (don't know its capacity/power)

Also thought you were referring to some other separate heating appliance.

Thank you,

I hope I understand your question: friction forces when the grinder operate bring the temperature up quickly, no other devices are needed

You can use something like this  or commission/build a custom micro controller (arduino/Rpi) with temperature sensors to trigger on/off events on a relay board automatically or remotely.

I'm curious that you mention taking the temperature of a grinder first but then you state that you leave the chocolate to cool and the "turn on" something to heat it back up?

Is it the grinder or other device/appliance? 

Hi,

Is there anybody who try to measure the temperature of the chocolate in the grinder and was able to control off/on button from afar like an application in the cell phone?

I'm asking this question because my way to temper the chocolate in the hot and humid area that I live in is to leave the chocolate inside in a place with a minimum of air flow and let it cool for around 10 hours to approximately 28C (depending in the chocolate type) in then turn it on again for about 30 minutes till I reach working temperature.

Control the device from cell phone will remarkably ease my life.

I will be happy to hear comments.

Thank's 

Cherub Chocolate business is for sale for $39,000

This is a rare opportunity to buy profitable and established business in downtown Nanaimo. It has been open since May 2013 with continuous growth and development. The business has a recognized name, established reputation and loyal clientele. We are emigrating soon as a family and sadly have to move on.

What you’re buying is growing and profitable business with an active store in downtown, high traffic area with a full commercial kitchen equipped with up to date tools and machinery. Active website www.cherubchocolate.com , active facebook page with 900+ customers.

The store has an on-site open concept kitchen and service area. The location of the store is in the core of downtown Nanaimo, on Commercial street with high pedestrian traffic from locals and tourists, opposite the art gallery. No competition in the area. Nearby all major hotels, Vancouver Island Conference center, Downtown farmers market, Diana Crull plaza, etc.

Training and support will be provided to ensure successful transition. One month with 4-6 hours daily practice to learn the necessary skills and 3 months of online support. Contact, suppliers, clients lists will be provided.

Our fantastic landlord is willing to extend the lease another five to seven years at the same rent.

The business is fully equipped with all the necessary tools, easy to manage and will last at least another 10 years. All equipment and tools are new or nearly new and in top condition and well cared for.

This business will be a great fit for somebody who enjoys being creative and being your own boss, excellent for retiring people or for somebody who is searching for the opportunity to relocate to the island.

We participate in all major food events and enjoy great local community support in downtown.

This business has established and loyal clientele base and even greater potential and opportunities which will be discussed with sales agreement.

You’re welcome to visit the store and try our product but please refrain from discussing the business sale with staff.

Non-disclosure and non-compete agreements to be signed prior to release further information.

No financing available, cash only. Only serious inquiries please. Business will be available for sale for a limited time only.

 

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Hi James,

I've been using the small Santha 11 for a little over a year now, just for development purposes.  We recently upgraded to the Santha 100 as we prepare to launch our line of craft chocolates.

While I have not used it excessively to provide an in-depth review, I have found that the quality and performance of the Santha 100 has been good.  As Sandy mentioned, these are typically drop shipped from India so you will need to change out the plug yourself or have a qualified electrician do it for you.  This was something that was disclosed to me prior to purchase so was not a surprise.  I bought my unit from John Nanci at Chocolate Alchemy who was very helpful with support and setup.

Aside from size and power, there a couple major differences between the Santha 11 and Santha 100.

1.  The Santha 11 is belt driven whereas the Santha 100 model is chain driven.  This is a big plus as I had my belt shred on the 11 model.

2.  Speed controller.  The Santha 100 comes with a speed controller which can be very useful.  At very high speeds you may find some of the chocolate splashing out of the bowl.  The speed controller can help you to dial it down or up as needed.

3.  Tilting mechanism.  This is a must for the Santha 100.  Not only does it help with getting the chocolate out (I couldn't imagine picking the bowl up by hand) but it also helps with the cleaning process, making it very simple.

Hi Sandy,

Thanks so much for replying!

A very apt name for your salesman then, is on the same line as my dentist name being Dr Pulley.

I am glad you have had a good experience with the machine, as i havent had any experience with the santhas yet, only having small premier grinders. I have been wary of purchasing the santha grinder due to reviews of their smaller grinder machines are not all that brilliant, with people having problems with overheating, and the belts constantly breaking. But i believe their larger grinders use chain belts which should help?

The santha machines appear to be the only larger grinders available in the UK, which certainly goes in it favour, as otherwise it means paying a massive shipping cost with added customs and other taxes added if i were to buy a cocoatown, fbm, or the new large grinder from DCM who make my small premiers.

Thanks again for your insight, and hopefully other users will also add their experiences too

Thank you Gap.

I guess I will try and error with different amounts of vegetable oils...

I saw one of the Ghirardelli recipe for chocolate hazelnuts and according to the their ingredients I saw that they add 6% hazelnuts of the total weight of the product, that means ~3% vegetable oil.

If other forum memebers have empiric knowledge about vegetable fat addition I will love to learn..

We actually made the move from CocoaTown small melangers to the Santha 40 in the last few months. It has been the best move we've made in our 3 year company's history. The machine has been a reliable tool that has increased our production capacity and lowered our stress level.

I would, however, advise you to NOT buy it through HotDishes. Our salesman's name was Sham, which is defined as "something it does not appear to be." That was exactly who we got. They sent a machine from India to the USA which came with a plug that was only usable in Europe and then refused to fix it. This should not be an issue for you, but be sure you do not get one that's only set for the USA.

Overall, the Santha 40 has been a great machine. Since we got it out of the box we've had no maintenance or repair issues and the stone-on-stone grinding has produced greatly smooth chocolates.

I hope this has been more helpful than not.