Forum Activity for @Lizzy Steffen

Lizzy Steffen
@Lizzy Steffen
09/27/10 15:31:01
4 posts

Precoating Chocolate


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, & Techniques

Linda,Thanks for your reply. My chocolates turned out very well but the chocolate I used for dipping I think WAS too viscous. It used to work great when I didn't pre-coat and now it's too thick (but then I had cracking). Although the taste is still wonderful, I enjoy the thinner shells. This is why I call myself an amateur! It takes a long time to master chocolate. I was using Callebaut 54.5% (3 dots for cocoa butter content). When you do your first coat do you roll them in your hand or do you dip them? I found it much easier to roll them in my hands as it reduced having a foot this way. I also had cracking when I tried dipping my first coat in the thinned chocolate. I literally had the perfect temperature/humidity that day to work with chocolate so I know that wasn't a factor.BTW, I've been to your website awhile back looking at your classes! That's so ironic. It's a great site and maybe if I make it out to NE I'll have to stop by. I grew up in CT and lived in Maine for many years and I long to return!Thanks again,Lizzy Steffen www.lizzyskitchen.com
Lizzy Steffen
@Lizzy Steffen
09/25/10 16:55:40
4 posts

Precoating Chocolate


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, & Techniques

Indeed they are. I also never chill my centers anymore which I think used to be a problem with softness.
Lizzy Steffen
@Lizzy Steffen
09/25/10 13:20:38
4 posts

Precoating Chocolate


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, & Techniques

Ok, so I've been making pralines as an amatuer for some time now. I have read countless books and have worked with hundreds of pounds of chocolate thus far. But I still ask my self about precoating truffle centers first. I have had so many problems with chocolates cracking in the past. Infact, today I was precoating chocolate using a dipping fork and my chocolates still cracked! I then decided to put some thinned chocolate in my hands and roll the glorious little balls of chocolate. Infact,I hand rolled each piece twice in the thinned chocolate to be on the safe side. This finally eliminated the cracks. I then dipped my chocolates and decorated and they were fine. I was wondering about other techniques or stories that other chocolatiers have gone through.
updated by @Lizzy Steffen: 04/09/15 12:39:01
Lizzy Steffen
@Lizzy Steffen
10/25/09 07:14:49
4 posts

Where do I start as an aspiring chocolate seller?


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, & Techniques

Hi Joshua,I've started my own cake and confection business. I am primarily based out of my home (yeah, there are some laws that go with that) but I use a professional kitchen at a local coffee house in exchange for making some pastries for them. What I started doing was private orders but now I'm branching into Chocolate & Wine tasting parties. I bring my current collections plus I repackage bulk chocolate for my clients. So, they can make their own treats at home. There are not high end chocolate shops in Peoria, Il (pop. 300,000). I have booked 3 parties in a month and have a small waiting list for more (I only do this part time). Here is a list of stuff I bring with me to the parties:Things that I make-Truffles, drinking chocolate (I make this), marshmallows, Rocky Road Bars, dipped fruit & nutsThings that I don't make-chips, cocoa powder,Price listcomment forms for the chocolatesGood Luck