Question:
What is Chocolate Liquor?
Basic Chocolate Liquor
This is the starting point for what we call chocolate. Chocolate Liquor is made by first fermenting the seeds or beans of the tropical cacao tree. This develops the flavor. The fermented beans are then dried, cleaned, sorted, roasted and cracked. The resulting 'nibs' are then ground under high pressure to a fine dark brown liquidy paste called Chcolate liquor. About 54% of the weight of fine chocolate liquor is made of cocoa butter.
Fine Chocolate Liquor
The exact recipe for the chocolate liquors used by various chcolate manufacturers are closely guarded secrets. Since the quality and flavor profile of the liquor determines the exact flavor of the resulting chocolate - there is a great deal of competition and science in the exact methods used. In Belgim, considered by most to be the home of the finest chocolate manufacturers - tank loads of chocolate liquor are treated almost as carefully as tray loads of diamonds. And worth almost as much!
Chocolate Frequently Asked Questions
How do I pick perfect equipment for working chocolate?
What kind of baking pans should I buy?
Do I need an Instant Read Thermometer?
Do I need a set of Dry Measuring Cups?
What other pans should I purchase?
What is Unsweetened Chocolate?
What is Bittersweet and Semisweet chocolate?
What is Unsweetened Cocoa Powder?
Are all chocolate created equal?
What do I do when chocolate seizes and hardens while melting?
Are there chocolate clubs that deliver less often than once a month?
What should I consider when ordering a chocolate club membership as a gift?
What's better than a chocolate of the month club membership?
How can I get more from my chocolate club membership?
How can I find other chocoholics like me?
Are there other "of-the-month" clubs besides chocolate?
How can I make a homemade chocolate of the month club?
What should I keep in mind when picking a chocolate club?
How can I use a chocolate club in my fundraiser?
I need to treat myself. Any suggestions?
How can I get a discount on chocolate?
How can I get a wider variety of chocolate?
What's a fun activity for my chocoholic friends?
I'm tired of my book club. What else can I do monthly with my friends?
What's the easiest way to send chocolate by mail?
How do I send homemade chocolate by mail?
How do I package chocolate for mailing?
I've heard of chocolate with surprises inside. What is this?
How can I mail chocolate that won't melt?
How can I mail the freshest chocolate dessert?
How can I use my extra homemade chocolate syrup?
How can I tell if the chocolate I got in the mail is still good?
What's a chocolate wedding favor that is truly unique?
Can you recommend a personilze chocolate favor in a non-traditional shape?
Is there a way to make my wedding guests feel as happy as I do?
What's a classy way to present chocolate favors?
What can I top my cake with besides the traditional bride and groom statues?
What's the benefit of buying chocolate favors online?
Can you recommend a wedding favor that is personal, but classic?
What is the history of the chocolate wedding favor?
What's a chocolate wedding favor that I can make myself?
How can I save on chocolate wedding favors?
How can I give a chocolate favor that compliments my wedding colors?
What's an easy chocolate wedding favor to make?
Is it possible to find a chocolate wedding favor to match my theme?
What chocolate favor could I make that could double as a centerpiece?
What is a common wedding favor that I could use?
What is the best chocolate for baking?
Is it ok to substitute different kinds of chocolate for each other in baking?
Can you give me an easy chocolate fondue recipe?
How can I get the most enjoyment from my chocolate?
Why shouldn't I stick with my favorite chocolates every time?
What"s so great about dark chocolate?
What's an easy idea for a chocolate themed party?
How can I remember to take my calcium supplement?
Is Belgian chocolate worth the price?
How can I get the most benefit from dark chocolate?
Who decides the difference between dark chocolate and milk chocolate?
How can I get a chocolate fountain for my party?
How do I make a chocolate dip for fruits? What kind of fruits are best to dip into it?
Why is it important to wrap a chocolate?
Can you tel me if carob chips have oxalates (Kidney stone causing substance) in them?
| Guru Spotlight |
| PJ Campbell |
