Molding question -- help!

Jennifer Thamer
@jennifer-thamer
02/05/10 00:24:39
15 posts
I molded chocolates today (using 2 different types of molds) and had the same problem -- a super fine separation between the top (what I call the cap) and bottom layers of chocolate.To mold the chocolates, I coated the mold once, let it rest in a cold room, coated the mold again, let it rest agan, filled the chocolates (one a ganache, the other a mousse), and then closed the mold with a layer of chocolate. Cutting into a chocolate, the thickness was consistent around the filling. Also, I use a professional melting and tempering machine. There were no other problems with the chocolates.This is the first time I've seen this issue. Any ideas? Thanks so much!
updated by @jennifer-thamer: 04/18/15 04:20:00
Sarah Hart
@sarah-hart
02/05/10 17:36:16
63 posts
This doesn't answer why you have the problem but may help fix it. You can try taking a blow dryer or heat gun and quickly, very quickly, blow it over your mold. If you blow too hot, too long you will throw the temper off the whole thing so be careful. This helps the top and the bottom to bond together and may fix your problem.
Brian Donaghy
@brian-donaghy
02/05/10 19:26:29
58 posts
JWhy are you shell moulding twice? For moulded pralines this process usually only needs to be done once. Thin is in! :)But if you have to mould twice, don't go to the cold room between mouldings. It sounds like you are getting nearly complete crystillization on the first layer before you add the second dosing of chocolate.brian
Jennifer Thamer
@jennifer-thamer
02/05/10 20:08:46
15 posts
Thanks, Sara and Brian. It sounds like temperature may be the issue.I agree with you Brian on thin layers, but if I don't mold the chocolates twice, they "explode" (e.g., crack on top) a few days later...Would I be able to see the crystallization on the first layer? I think you may be correct about the cold room, but it hasn't been a problem in the past and I've followed the same steps every day for months. Thank you!
Jacqueline Juarez Laudico
@jacqueline-juarez-laudico
02/09/10 01:14:46
2 posts
Hi Jennifer,Got a couple of suggestions to make the shell thicker with just 1 coating, let it stay in the mould a little longer before tapping out.It can also be in your fillings. Some fillings, if you let it crystallize in a chiller contracts more rather than working room temp. It has a tendency to expand again when it gets to regular room temp (same as chocolate display chiller) so the shells explode. So try just letting it crystallize at working room temp before putting in the bottom covers.The thin line around the bottom can also be prevented by running a heat gun over the moulds just before capping them. So they attach better since they are almost same temp as the melted choco you are pouring.Also one chef I trained with said, not to use tempered choco on the bottom covers because tempered choco contracts and can "pull" on the sides.Hope this helps. Happy choco making :)
Jennifer Thamer
@jennifer-thamer
02/09/10 11:30:55
15 posts
Thank you -- your advice is really helpful! I'll try it out this week.
Jennifer Thamer
@jennifer-thamer
03/17/10 22:44:14
15 posts
Hello, I wanted to follow up... We are using the cold room less to keep the chocolate at a more consistent temperature before closing the molds. We're also careful not to get filling on the sides of the chocolates before closing -- that oil may have been part of the problem, even if the sides are wiped clean. The good news is that since we made the changes, there haven't been any issues. Thanks again for your helpful replies!

Tags

Member Marketplace


Activity

kapil jain
 
kapil jain
 
kapil jain
 
@kapil-jain • 7 years ago

Chocolatevenue is an online chocolate store in India.We are specialized in customized chocolates  .Chocolates can be customized as chocolate message and chocolate bars.

You can get written your message on chocolates and can get customized your chocolate bars by selecting the desired ingredients.

for more details

 

colorchocolate
 
@colorchocolate • 7 years ago

FOR SALE / BARGAIN / FINE CACAO LIQUOR, COLOMBIA ORIGIN

Enjoy a delicious premium chocolate from the Boyacá region of Colombia, considered among the best in the world. We offer a 200 kilograms lot of pure origin cocoa liquor,  fair trade / ethically sourced. N o other ingredients added.

The price for this high quality product is as follows:

1 kg - US$ 13

100 kg - US$ 12 per kilo

200 kg - US$ 11 per kilo

Inquires: equalcolombia@gmail.com

- See more at: https://www.thechocolatelife.com/colorchocolate#sthash.JFDWYFuK.dpuf

- See more at: https://www.thechocolatelife.com/community/forums/my_posts/18453/fine-cacao-liquor-colombia-origin#sthash.2pUq4Eu3.dpuf

Clay Gordon
 
@clay • 7 years ago

FCIA Recognition of Excellence Nominations close in one week:

Clay Gordon
 
The 4 Chocolatiers
 
@the-4-chocolatiers • 7 years ago

Two changes we made with the chocolate is that this time we winnowed the chocolate. This time we didn't use a blow dryer to melt the chocolate. Two improvements with the chocolate is that the melanger didn't get clogged this time and everyone put in work.