Forum Activity for @Isabella

Isabella
@Isabella
06/29/15 15:11:23
2 posts

NEW Selmi Depositing Heads


Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

Only used once!

Evenly distributes chocolate through multible depositing ports into cavities of most moulds. Mould guiding system and mould scraper included.

Comes with three plates:

3x7

3x8

5x8

Check out this link for more info http://tomric.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=3275

Asking price $4.500 or best offer


updated by @Isabella: 04/07/25 13:00:14
Kerry
@Kerry
06/28/15 20:59:01
288 posts

EZtemper


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

Here's Rodney Alleguede (www.rodneyalleguede.com) at the FCIA event in NYC manning the 'cocktail table booth' for the introduction of the EZtemper. Lots of interest generated - and one lucky individual - Elaine Boxer of @voilaChocolat took one home!

Sebastian
@Sebastian
06/28/15 19:35:59
754 posts

what use it is given to the shell of the cocoa beans


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

Heavy metal soluability in water is very well understood.  A few examples below.  Remember heavy metals aren't your only concern.  Note that heat is largely an ineffective treatment for aflatoxins as aflatoxins tend to recombine in acidic environments (such as with the acid in your stomach, for example)

http://www.water.ncsu.edu/watershedss/info/hmetals.html

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2003/5/chemistry

Katie Wilson
@Katie Wilson
06/28/15 12:29:13
18 posts

what use it is given to the shell of the cocoa beans


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

I'd like to add something to this conversation in regards to making Tea. Now it has been said its composed of heavy metals, but when brewing tea, you're dissolving solids, etc into your solution - have there been studies done for how many (if any) metals make their way into a tea?

We as a business are interested in using the husks and are going to submit samples for a 3rd party analysis to see on average what the husks are composed on  when done well update you all with our findings  

 

 


updated by @Katie Wilson: 06/28/15 12:35:12
Tony.n
@Tony.n
06/26/15 16:41:16
54 posts

Looking for quality Organic milk powders (s)


Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

Thank you Thomas (I will check with John)

Sebastian
@Sebastian
06/26/15 09:28:55
754 posts

Immersion Blender or Robot Coupe for Ganache?


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

My opinion only.  Where i do see a benefit is the units with the vacuum capability tend to have MUCH better mixing capability, which results in a more physically stable emulsion.  If you're not having textural or separation issues, i'd say the more advanced unit wouldn't hurt, but it may not necessarily help either...

Daniel Herskovic
@Daniel Herskovic
06/26/15 08:47:17
132 posts

Immersion Blender or Robot Coupe for Ganache?


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

Hi Sebastian,

That makes a lot of sense. From what I can summarize, it seems as though a vacuum would not hurt at all, but the several thousand dollars to have it might not be worth it. Thanks for your insightful comment!

Daniel

Sebastian
@Sebastian
06/26/15 04:18:31
754 posts

what use it is given to the shell of the cocoa beans


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

That's great Christina - Costa Rica is one of my favorite places on Earth.  I'm absolutely in love with it. I considered buying properety there at one point, however the squatters laws made that problematic for me in that i'd need to visit my property every 3 (or was it 6?) months to ensure no one had moved in.  If they did, and i didn't remove them, they could claim the property as their own.

You may wish to connect with CATIE ( http://www.catie.ac.cr/) if you've not already as a local research connection.  The watchout with clay is that it often doesn't contain much cadmium, but it can be very high in lead.

Cheers

Sebastian
@Sebastian
06/26/15 04:09:14
754 posts

Immersion Blender or Robot Coupe for Ganache?


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

Daniel - i've never done the study, so no data - but i don't believe a RC would result in longer microbial shelf life as a result of not incorporating ambient air.  I know others believe otherwise.

Why do i think thusly?  Your chocolate already has a micro load on it (meaning your chocolate, while likely food safe, is not sterile - it has more micro organisms on/in it than you think) - so they're already there.  You can't load your RC in a vacuum, meaning that ambient micro organisma are going to be in your RC when you start it in addition to what went in with your ingredients.  When you pull a vacuum, it's not going to pull those organisms out, and while the ganache may be mixed under a vacuum, when you open the unit you break the vacuum, and ambient air will rush back into the lower pressure areas of the ganace to equalize pressure.

My opinion only, no data to support it 8)

Marinko Biskic
@Marinko Biskic
06/25/15 22:57:05
11 posts

india grinder 40l= 1500 USD ??


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

Everything is OK. i will definitely buy another one. I plan to instal speed control (about 500$)

Kerry
@Kerry
06/25/15 20:03:31
288 posts

EZtemper


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

If you are going to be at the FCIA this weekend - drop by the booth (cocktail table), say hey to Rodney and Jess - get them to talk to you about the EZtemper and put your business card in the draw for a free unit.  

https://www.facebook.com/FineChocolateIndustryAssociation?fref=nf

danielle2
@danielle2
06/25/15 16:29:27
7 posts

india grinder 40l= 1500 USD ??


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

Hi guys, can you give me an update on how your machines are holding up?  Thanks!

Gap
@Gap
06/25/15 15:27:02
182 posts

Immersion Blender or Robot Coupe for Ganache?


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

To add to Sebastian's point: we were always taught that you should use the RC when making a ganache that has a tendancy to split - the RC will make it less likely to split. Otherwise we just used a stick (immersion) blender.

 

Daniel Herskovic
@Daniel Herskovic
06/25/15 10:15:25
132 posts

Immersion Blender or Robot Coupe for Ganache?


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

Thank you Ruth and Sebastian,

I really appreciate your input. Do you think having a vacuum on a robot coupe is worth the investment? Does it improve shelf life significantly or could a long shelf life bon bon (3 month or so) be created with having a well balanced ganache alone. The vacuum on a stephan or robot coupe seems great, but they add a several thousand dollars to the cost of the machine. Thanks again!

Daniel

TalamancaOrganica
@TalamancaOrganica
06/25/15 09:51:25
12 posts

what use it is given to the shell of the cocoa beans


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

 Hola Sebastian from the coastal slopes of Caribbean Costa Rica. Thank you for your information. No, I currently not conducted my own scientific analysis of my soil over the past 20 plus years of farming cacao. Yes, I am in the process of conducting this analysis in soil, as well as genetic heritage of my trees. The prior owner of our farm, Mr. Rolegio Smith from Punta Uva, owned and worked the farm for 70 plus years before I bought it from him. And before that his family, The notable Downer family worked the larger farm (including what is now mine) for a 85 plus years before that. These peoole never lived on the land; they only lived out on the beach area, and worked the "farm" from dawn until afternoon. There were no roads, at all here until the 1980's as the Province of Limon was a restricted province to keep the Black people and Jungle at bay. It wasn't until 1950's that Black people could even leave the Province and go to the capital.
Before that (1700's) it was all Indigeneous land which the artifacts in the soil reveal as well. But really really, where we are here is "new land" so to speak, recently arisen from the sea. It is not uncommon to see coral deposits nearby and I have even seen this 1Km inland, on the top of a high hill with 400 year old Almond Trees growing out of them! So, all in all we can conclude that the land near at the home of Talamanca Organica is recently risen from the sea (within the last 1000 of years or so), quite far from the alluvial flow of the volcanic region of Costa Rica. Heck, we don't even have any native rock here....it is all clay rock. You have to travel way out to the River Sixaola or the River Chirripo to get any rock, hence why gravel costs a fortune here.
So, yes, I can understand where alluvial flow soils typical of Central and South America would contain Cadium, and other heavy metals. And yes, I see the practice here in the province of locals drying cacao on the roadside. WE, here at Talamanca Organica sun dry our cacao in our farm, and then our cacao is stored daily on clean organic cotton linen, untl it is complete dry; and then in airtight containers. Just yesturday I was sunnin up a ferment from Nov 2014, and I have to tell you that it is as beateous as ever, with amazing aroma and a lovely fruity taste, and only sundried.
If you are ever in my neck of the woods, and you would like to tour my sustainable, organic, regenerative cacao farm, I invite you. And if you have your handy soil testing kit, I would love to offer my soil for your review. You will see that the Superior taste in our beans in multi-fold. First off, it's organic, second, it's grown in harmony with the forest (and that is taste worthy), and it is fermented with prestige and sundried exclusively with our expertise. 
Thanks you very much for sharing your experience, and i hope one day you try our beans. 
And yes, I agree with you, people can ingest poison in they so choose. I do not. And I hold that principle in my agricultural practices. I am fascinated, though with the European love of the cacao shell, and the high demand amongst the European tourist. Yep, few Americans are even interested in it at all.... and it was an Isreali who discovered smoking it....I never thought of it before that. Pura vida, Christina.


updated by @TalamancaOrganica: 07/05/16 23:15:37
Sebastian
@Sebastian
06/25/15 04:21:37
754 posts

Immersion Blender or Robot Coupe for Ganache?


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

The theory behind the RC, so the story goes (at least that i've often heard suggested as it's major benefit) is that since it's a more sealed environment, it helps to increase shelf life by keeping microbes out.  While it may be true that because it has a lid less ambient microbes settle in the product, it doesn't really make a difference due to the amount of microbes already present.  So i'd say no advantage there.  To Ruth's point, the RC is a very powerful high efficiency blender.  A stick blender is fine, nothing wrong with it (it's what i have), but a RC will be better from the perspective of it will create a finer emulsion than the stick blender is capable of producing, which could result in an improved texture and reduced tendancy to separate.

Ruth Atkinson Kendrick
@Ruth Atkinson Kendrick
06/24/15 19:28:02
194 posts

Immersion Blender or Robot Coupe for Ganache?


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

I love my R-C. It does not add air. Builds a beautiful emulsion. It would take a pretty powerful stick blender to do what the R-C does.

Daniel Herskovic
@Daniel Herskovic
06/24/15 13:34:52
132 posts

Immersion Blender or Robot Coupe for Ganache?


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

Hi there,

I am wondering which tool you prefer for emulsifying ganache. Do you prefer working with an immersion blender or a robot coupe (food processor)? Does a robot coupe create too much air when emulsifying? I know some chocolatiers use a vaccuum feature on their robot coupe or stephan mixer. Is that really necessary? Thanks for your feedback. I look forward to hearing about your experience!

Daniel


updated by @Daniel Herskovic: 04/11/25 09:27:36
HeidiD
@HeidiD
06/23/15 08:58:53
6 posts

Affordable Custom Boxes


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

Okay haha. Some of these box companies have horrible images of their products. 

Ruth Atkinson Kendrick
@Ruth Atkinson Kendrick
06/23/15 08:02:37
194 posts

Affordable Custom Boxes


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

You said custom...they can do custom. Whatever design you choose. Don't look at their online stuff. 

HeidiD
@HeidiD
06/23/15 06:32:01
6 posts

Affordable Custom Boxes


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

I haven't seen that company before. They look to be about the quality of some of our boxes that we have now. But we're looking for something more like this level of quality: http://www.recchiuti.com/100.html?area=01 (Click on the picture of the outside of the box.)

Most of the custom box companies we've found are overseas so the shipping doubles the already expensive boxes. We love BSD but, again, the shipping doubles the cost of the box.

Gap
@Gap
06/22/15 21:27:07
182 posts

Newbie here so go gentle please...LOL


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

I've used the Twirlo machine with Capol glaze (Capol 254) and lacquer (Capol 425). The glaze makes it shiny, the lacquer "locks it in" and seals it. I was working in 14C conditions though in the kitchen . . . so very different to yours. 

See if you can find your local Capol representative - they do a lot of different products to suit a lot of different conditions. They might have something better suited for where you live.

fla4ors
@fla4ors
06/22/15 21:14:25
2 posts

Newbie here so go gentle please...LOL


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

I live in Asia, where its like 29/32 degrees most of the time

I want to chcocolate cover coffee beans (I aleady sell coffee here, so the beans are no problem) I'm doing this in bulk and have the twirlo coating machine

The problem I DO have is the heat, with the cocolate melting when I transport from the unit to the shops, and with the melting when customers pick them up............ so I'm guessing a confectioners glaze should be applied?
I'm trying to locate that glaze here,

Can anyone give any tips/hints, advice so as I dont have to make the mistakes BEFORE hand Wink

 

Thank you


updated by @fla4ors: 04/11/25 09:27:36
eg
@eg
06/22/15 21:01:32
22 posts

Bug reports


Posted in: FORUM FAQs

Search does not work in mobile (iPhone). 

Ruth Atkinson Kendrick
@Ruth Atkinson Kendrick
06/22/15 16:47:45
194 posts

Affordable Custom Boxes


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

I am very happy with Duerr packaging in Pennsylvania. Their prices are very fair and good quality.

Sebastian
@Sebastian
06/22/15 13:48:18
754 posts

Looking for inexpensive ways to stir caramel


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

it's a very useful overview.  All i ask is for the opportunity to buy some caramels when you've reduced your learnings to practice 8-)

Erica G
@Erica G
06/22/15 12:08:20
1 posts

FS - Perfect Equipment Air 2.0 Wheel Temperer - less than one year old


Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

We're selling a Perfect Equipment Air 2.0 Wheel Tempering machine that we purchased less than a year ago.  It has a 20 kg capacity and comes with the cover, vibrating table and an extra pan.  It's had minimal use and works perfectly.  Paid $4,200.  Asking $2,750 USD + shipping costs.  We're located in Ottawa, Canada.  You can email me at erica@hummingbirdchocolate.com for more info.

See the link here for more info about the machine: http://www.perfectinc.com/en/tempering/mini-wheel-tempering-air-20


photo 5.JPG.jpg photo 5.JPG.jpg - 87KB

updated by @Erica G: 04/07/25 13:00:14
HeidiD
@HeidiD
06/22/15 08:49:13
6 posts

Affordable Custom Boxes


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

We are a mid-sized company looking to upscale our brand boxes. Ideally, we'd like to order no more than a year's worth of boxes at a time. However, to get the price point down per box to fit into our pricing structure, we would need to order for 2-3 years. There are issues of storage space and product change that make this an unpleasant option. 

Does anyone have a recommendation for a custom box company that has a good balance of high quality and low price? I know you get what you pay for. I'm just looking for as many options as I can find right now. :-)


updated by @HeidiD: 04/11/25 09:27:36
HeidiD
@HeidiD
06/22/15 08:39:03
6 posts

Marketing/Graphic designer for gourmet chocolatier


Posted in: Allow Me to Introduce Myself

Hello! I'm excited to join your community. I began working with a gourmet chocolatier about 7 months ago. The company is called Ghyslain Chocolatier. (g-SLEIGH) They have a production facility and boutique in Union City, IN and 2 quick casual French bistros in Louisville, KY. I handle all creative - photography, marketing, website, social media & graphic design. 

Previously, I was self-employed as a fashion-styled photographer for 18 years in CT. (exclusiveimageonline.com)

 

HeatherJ
@HeatherJ
06/22/15 06:46:41
17 posts

Offsite fulfillment center for shipping?


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

Has anyone ever used an offsite fulfillment center to save on storage space and shipping costs? We have a small business with a pretty dismal rate contract with UPS, and are considering an offsite fulfillment center with temperature controlled storage, backup generators and quality guarantees with excellent shipping rates.

Open to any and all feedback on this idea,

Heather


updated by @HeatherJ: 04/11/25 09:27:36
Daniel Herskovic
@Daniel Herskovic
06/22/15 06:35:14
132 posts

Looking for inexpensive ways to stir caramel


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

Sebastian,

Thank you for the link you provided. It is a gold mine of very valuable information!

 

Alan B
@Alan B
06/22/15 00:23:32
7 posts

Induction Cooktops and Digital Thermometers


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

I'm about 250 ft above sea level, if my garmin bike computer is accurate! I have tried it with sugar syrup solutions and found the same fluctuation on induction cooktops. Since I really prefer induction, I'll do some futher experimenting and investigating. Thanks again for your suggestions.

 

Thomas Snuggs
@Thomas Snuggs
06/21/15 19:44:21
23 posts

Looking for quality Organic milk powders (s)


Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

chocolatealchemy.com has organic whole milk powder.

Sebastian
@Sebastian
06/20/15 18:47:30
754 posts

Looking for quality Organic milk powders (s)


Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

Gonna be tough to find at the moment i'm afraid - the organic dairy market is currently such that almost all of the producers are keeping the organic milk in a fluid form; very, very little is currently being converted to solids.  

Tony.n
@Tony.n
06/20/15 08:12:57
54 posts

Looking for quality Organic milk powders (s)


Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

I am looking for the following for my chocolate bars:

1- Organic Whole Milk Powder

2- Organic Skim Milk Powder

3- Organic Butter Fat Milk Powder

4 - Goat milk Powder

5- Sheep milk Powder

Willing to pay top dollars for quality ingredients


updated by @Tony.n: 04/07/25 13:00:14
Ruth Atkinson Kendrick
@Ruth Atkinson Kendrick
06/19/15 19:54:29
194 posts

Induction Cooktops and Digital Thermometers


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

My induction is a portabe professional cooktop. Are you at sea level? Have you tried the test with a sugar solution? 

Kerry
@Kerry
06/19/15 19:22:19
288 posts

EZtemper


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

Further experiments with chocolate as seed in place of cocoa butter - using bean to bar chocolate.  http://forums.egullet.org/topic/151287-eztemper-the-help-you-need-to-achieve-perfectly-tempered-chocolate-fast/?p=2021063  - will just link rather than duplicating here.

Alan B
@Alan B
06/19/15 18:37:43
7 posts

Induction Cooktops and Digital Thermometers


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

Thanks for everyone's feedback. Ruth, I also called tech support at Thermoworks and they told me the few thermometers they checked were not affected by induction cooktops. However, they have received calls from some customers mentioning this issue. Ruth, are you using a portable induction cooktop or one that's part of a range? @Gap, I think you may be on to something. Because I have way too much time on my hands I tested 3 digital thermometers on a range induction cooktop and a hot cooktop. All three showed fluctuating readings by a several degrees (210-215) on the induction cooktop and did not read 212 F in boiling water. On the hot cooktop the readings were steady and 1 of the 3 read 212.1, one read 213. and one was way off (215). The accurate one is the Thermoworks Calibration Thermometer and worked as expected on the hot cooktop. Since the other two thermometers are only accurate to within about 2 degrees, I suppose they worked as expected on the hot cooktop too. So, it appears all of my digital thermometers are affected by my induction cooktop.

Lisabeth Flanagan
@Lisabeth Flanagan
06/19/15 08:10:54
11 posts

Dark-Milk Chocolate - article and list with tasting notes


Posted in: Tasting Notes

Hi!  I just published an article about the 'dark milk' chocolate trend on the Food Bloggers of Canada site , and in conjunction with that, I posted a list of dark-milk chocolate bars , with tasting notes for as many as possible, on my blog.  If you have any more dark milk chocolates that you think I - and all other chocolate lovers - should try, please let me know and I will add it to the list!

  81