Forum Activity for @Michelle-Jo Garfield

Chocolate sides caving in?

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

Thank you!...I usually do but in this particular case I didn't. Thanks I will try again and see how it goes.

Chocolate sides caving in?

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

Hi,

Just wondering if anyone can tell me why some of my chocolates sides cave in after a few days. Im' guessing its either from the shell being too thin or the mixture having too much moisture.

They look great at first and then a few days later. the sides are all concave.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you

Cocoa Jo

updated by @Michelle-Jo Garfield: 04/24/15 08:08:32AM

Chocolate Moulds in Australia

Posted in: News & New Product Press

Does anyone know of any suppliers selling professional chocolate moulds in Australia? When I have tried ordering from overseas I have found the postage to be double the cost of the product.

Also are there any Australia chocolatiers looking at selling any of their range of moulds? I may be interested.

Thanks.

updated by @Michelle-Jo Garfield: 04/09/15 09:11:39AM

Has anyone attempted flavoring their chocolates with beer?

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

Thanks Mark..Will do!

Has anyone attempted flavoring their chocolates with beer?

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

Thank you Wendy...Thats great info I will get cracking on it and see how it goes..

Has anyone attempted flavoring their chocolates with beer?

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

Thanks Mark...I tried it and it tasted like fish sauce....maybe I need to use a fondant based chocolate instead or a caramel....I will try reducing it again and see how it goes.

Has anyone attempted flavoring their chocolates with beer?

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

Thanks Andy, that had crossed my mind too about the reduction...I will attempt it today and see how it goes.

Has anyone attempted flavoring their chocolates with beer?

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

I am currently experimenting with beer flavored chocolates with my husbands varying home brews. I am wondering if anyone has experienced making beer chocolates and whether you have found using the beer straight or as a reduction is better?
updated by @Michelle-Jo Garfield: 04/11/15 01:19:37PM

How Did You Choose Your Market Location

Posted in: Chocolate Education

Hi Jeff,The chocolate cafe just didnt meet the target market in the area we had chosen....we realised a chocolate and wine bar would have worked better. Also with the cafe my ideas were way to broad and the latter choice being more specific was aimed at meeting the need of the community.I havent opened one yet but intend to in the future....not sure which way to go yet as I have to do a new business plan in the area we now intend to open....I have a website in construction and intend to start selling small to see how it goes in this community and go from there..

How Did You Choose Your Market Location

Posted in: Chocolate Education

Hi Jeff,My husband and I were looking at opening a store in Nashville but have since moved back to Australia..When we were researching to open in the states we spoke to a lot of people around town about what they would like, best places to eat out etc...it really helped. But the most important thing is to write your business plan.Something staggering like 80% of failing businesses dont writ a ebusiness plan. Im only saying this because we had the idea of a chocolate cafe at the beginning and by the time we had thoroughly finished our research we had changed the type of store and location completely, for the better. We were amazed!Hope it goes well for youMichelle-Jo

Cleaning polycarbonate molds.

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

Thanks everyone. I have some very interesting ideas to work with.

Cleaning polycarbonate molds.

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

G'day...Does anyone have a great method for cleaning there polycarbonate molds. Everyone I read tells me opposing ideas and I only just got new ones and already am getting streaks in them. I have tried cotton balls but am not finding them effective enough and also worry that it takes off the protective cocoa butter layer..I would love some suggestions. thanks
updated by @Michelle-Jo Garfield: 04/09/16 10:07:38PM

chocolate training

Posted in: Opinion

G-day all,im looking for some advice/opinions on cchoclate courses....I have basic knowledge but was considering doing a course perhaps before I return home to Australia in Febuary to start my chocolate cafe.....i have some bakery/pastry training but am really interested in learning more regarding gourmet chocolates...any ideas?....i know of a couple of places in the states that run a week or two day course...I am living in nashville Tennessee but am happy to travel throughout the states for a good course.If anyone has recommendations that would be great!..thanks michelle-Jo
updated by @Michelle-Jo Garfield: 04/22/15 02:50:50AM