The chocolate touch is everywhere! It might be a rich luscious chocolate lover’s recipe or a chocolate liqueur like my favorite Godiva dark chocolate liqueur. The chocolate touch most memorable to me is the chocolate massage and facial I had in Ecuador; believe me that was heavenly. Afterwards while relaxing with a cup of lemon tea, I was served a platter of fresh strawberries dipped in chocolate; that also had the touch. All this and anything more are inviting to us “chocoholics”.
I found this “Chocolate University Online”
on the internet. I thought it sounded interesting but, I really felt I
knew almost all there was to know about chocolate. What more could they
teach? After a little more reading I found the ones teaching this course
are qualified professionals guiding students through the science and
art of tasting chocolate and adding the chocolate touch. Wow, tasting
chocolate! Sounds like my kind of education! I read on to find that (my
now good friends) Bryn and Jeffrey Kirk are the teachers of this very
informative chocolate course. Bryn has produced chocolate formulas for
such companies as Pillsbury, Nabisco, Good Humor, ConAgra, Edy’s, Mrs.
Fields, Quaker Oats and more. They can make you an expert and teach you
more than you think possible about chocolate.
From the start I began learning things I never imagined. Did you know that chocolate is very scientific? The first two lessons are on “milk chocolate”. I learned to pay more attention to the labels, sniff the aromas of the chocolates and slowly taste for hidden flavors. I found out why sometimes my chocolate covered cherries turn out lumpy and why the professional candy makers always have smooth beautiful finishes; you know the chocolate touch with the little swirl on top of each piece.
What does it all mean? Well, I learned moving too quickly through this course is not good for the diet so slow down and enjoy. I did find some great chocolates that I never had tasted before; both for cooking and just plain eating. I learned many chocolate tips that I never considered before. Honestly, I thought I could get through this forty week course in a week or two. Like I said, I thought I knew it all but there is a lot more to this luscious product than you can imagine.
The information taught by Chocolate University Online
is what makes chocolate professionals. It covers everything from the
cocoa beans growing on the trees in countries around the equator, the
history of it, how chocolate is made, how to judge the quality and
countless great recipes. Another section I found interesting was
matching wines with different chocolates and what foods and spices go
with chocolate. I was fascinated with the information on the “cocoa
nibs”, which are the cocoa beans with the shell removed. My friends who
were returning to the States from Ecuador brought me a bag back with
them. Unfortunately these nibs had to be shelled. I spent hours shelling
them. My fingers were so sore but it was all worth it for the chocolate
touch! I was anxious to see what I could make with them.
The chocolate touch is definitely seen in many chocolate garnishes. Nothing is more elegant than a cake covered with chocolate fondant, laden with hand sculptured chocolate roses and beautiful handmade leaves. One time in a restaurant I was served a wonderful dessert in a chocolate bag; what a presentation. This is something I would love to have time to get more into. Chocolate University Online teaches tempering chocolate to be able to make many of these garnishes.
Paint 2 layers of chocolate on back of real leaf.
When chocolate hardens peel natural leaf off chocolate leaf.
NOTE: Avoid highly toxic leaves.
A chocolate modeling paste (also known as plastic chocolate) is a combination of chocolate and corn syrup. It can be purchased online or at candy supply houses. It dries to a very firm and brittle consistency (more than fondant); it is very good for making dark chocolate roses. Although they are not as tasty to eat as fondant roses, by brushing the dried roses with a thin layer of corn syrup makes them appear as beautiful porcelain roses a perfect accessory for the chocolate touch.
Sprinkle gelatin over water in heatproof bowl and allow to set 5 minutes.
Set mixture in small pan of slowly simmering water and stir until dissolved.
Blend in corn syrup and glycerin; add shortening and stir until melted.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
Mix cocoa powder and sugar in a large bowl; stir in the gelatin mixture until well blended.
Mix with your hands until it forms a ball.
Turn out onto lightly greased surface and knead until smooth and satiny.
Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then place in airtight container; store in refrigerator 24 hours before using.
To roll out spray smooth surface and rolling pin with non stick vegetable spray.
If cold fondant appears to crack, as you work it the warmth will make it smooth again.