The neat thing about cocoa butter is that the crystal structure it takes on depends on the temperature at which the crystals are formed. This program will take the mystery (and terror!) out of tempering chocolate. Chocolate Man Bill Fredericks starts off with an introduction to the cocoa pod, where it comes from, how it's harvested, processed, the resulting nibs in their purest form and what happens when the cocoa butter is extracted from the nibs.
Next learn about several indirect methods for melting chocolate (double boiler, warming plate, microwave), whether the chocolate starts in blocks, discs, morsels, buttons, batons, chips, callets, rondos, pistoles, ribbons, chunks etc... it all needs to be melted before it can be gradually cooled to optimum working temperature. Above all, learn how to be in "good temper".
No, this doesn't mean your mental state of mind, but getting the chocolate in the correct crystaline structure to accomplish what you want to do with it! Learn how to perform four different tempering methods like Slab, Seed, Stick Blender and Mycryo to create all sorts of detectible treats such as Tulip Cups, Fruit and Nut Bark, Dipped Apricots and Strawberries and Molded Chocolates.
Known as the Chocolate Man, Bill Fredericks has owned and operated ChocolateMan.com, a chocolate supply business, for the last 20 years. He is an internationally trained chocolate chef, instructor and past corporate chef for Choc Elan, LLC. Bill has been instructing, consultin and working as a private chef for over 20 years.
He is a member of AACT American Association of Candy Technologists, IACP International Association of Culinary Professionals, FCIA Fine Chocolate Industry Association and President of the NW Chocolatiers Guild. Fredericks' career in chocolate started with his wife a little more than 20 years ago.
She was anxious to make some fancy desserts and had her mind set on truffles. He made some for her using chocolate chips. Discovering that chocolate chips don't make the best truffles, he began experimenting using different types of chocolate.
With degrees in both chemistry and geology he says, "My background in science really helps me to understand what chocolate does and how to get it to do what I want it to do." Bill explains the science behind chocolate and how temperature and other factors contribute to chocolate's texture and appearance during melting and cooling. He also shows how to keep the working area sanitary so all the left over chocolate can be reused again. 111 minutes
REVIEW: The Midwest Book Review
Confectioners, dessert chefs, and chocolate lovers with a creative flair will absolutely love the latest "Dare to Cook: Chocolate" installments of the "Dare to Cook" DVD series, each available in DVD, Blu-Ray, or downloadable versions.
Both are hosted by "Chocolate Man" Bill Fredericks, who guides viewers step-by-step through dessert-making techniques. In "Dare to Cook Chocolate: Tempering" (9781604900651, $24.95) viewers learn how the tempering process that affects the final gloss, hardness, and contraction of chocolate; even slight variations in the temperature as melted chocolate cools can have a drastic effect upon the crystals formed within the cocoa butter and therefore the entire makeup of the finished product.
Four different tempering methods (Slab, Seed, Stick Blender Mycryo) are covered in depth, as well as guides to creating wondrously delicious desserts such as Dipped Apricots and Strawberries or Molded Chocolate.
In "Dare to Cook Chocolate: Holiday Confections" (9781604900668, $34.95, 3.5 hours, 2 DVDs), viewers can learn to cook a veritable smorgasbord of handmade chocolate treats perfect for Christmas or Easter celebrations, from Chocolate Pizzas to French Truffles, Hazelnut Bars, Peanut Butter Cups, Spring Molds of Bunnies and Eggs, and much more.
Both programs are thoroughly accessible to amateur and experienced cooks alike, and highly recommended for anyone interested in trying their hand at making confections with love.
