Ahead of World Chocolate Day 2017, which is on the 7th July, a number of innovative ways to enjoy chocolate have been released. Chocolate is a common dessert staple, with it being added to cakes, mousses and cheesecakes on a regular basis. However those that cook with cocoa know that ist can be quite a tricky thing to do. But with chocolate biscuits and other choco-packed treats a favourite for many, why not switch it up abit for World Chocolate Day?
Ellen de Jager, the Head Pastry Chef for Bohemia Restaurant has offered a few different ways to enjoy chocolate this summer. Bohemia restaurant is a Michelin starred restaurant which is located in Jersey. Ellen is Rosette and Michelin star trained and works to deliver guests of The Club Hotel & Spa, as well as diners at The Bohemia in Jersey with exciting desserts. A great source for tips on how to get the most out of out craving for chocolate while at home.
Ellen de Jager has suggested that, if you are willing to challenge yourself, you can make you own chocolate from scratch. In order to do this grated cocoa butter is required, as well as coconut oil, agave syrup and raw organic cocoa powder. These ingredients will come together to make your very own chocolate, a true accomplishment for any ambitious home chefs. The cocoa butter and coconut oil need to be heated by placing them together in a dish placed over a pan of warm water and stirring. When the two ingredients are melted and combined, add the dry ingredients and then freeze for 30 minutes.
For those who are slightly less experimental, but still wanting to cook with chocolate, Ellen suggests buying chocolate and then melting it is order to create special treats. In order to melt chocolate without burning it, Ellen instructs to break the bar into small squares that ar all an even size in order to make sure that it all ments at the same speed. Also Ellen says while cooking with chocolate it is better to avoid using wooden spoons as they can retain moisture, which will damage the melting process of the chocolate.
