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"It is dark as the AlChemist walks along the corridor, rough stone under his feet, air warmed from well smoldering hearth fires stirring his cowl. He opens a hewn timber door, worn smooth at the threshold over years of use. He breaths deeply the comforting smells of this laboratory. Hints of wood and smoke linger in the air from the last time he roasted raw materials for his elixirs. Another smell, heady and almost intoxicating, brings a smile to his face as he remembers the smell wafting up as he was last grinding his pastes and powders. He looks about. Everything is in place. The roasting drum is cool in the hearth. The mortars and pestles are laid out neat and tidy, only a small amount of deep brown paste marring their finish. The cracking mill is sitting ready, waiting for the next batch to be crushed fresh out of the roaster. It is time to begin his magic, his devotion, his passion, his Alchemy, yet again. He prepares himself for the work ahead. The roasting, the cracking, the winnowing, the grinding, the mixing. The transformation of base materials into something more than they were. The transformation of cocoa beans to chocolate, the work of Chocolate Alchemy."
2456293 visits and counting.
Hi folks. This is not how I wanted to head out of town and to the Chocolate Fest, but….
I am having computer issues, and my main system is going into the shop while I am away. Unforunately that leaves me unable to fulfill a handful of orders or tell people directly that their orders are […]
Filed under: Cocoa Beans, What's new & Updates | No Comments »
That really says it right there. Ocumare and Carenero Superior from Venezuela are in. They look, smell and taste fantastic. And the exciting part for me is that it’s is the first (partial) container that I’ve brought in myself. Enjoy !
And they are available Wholesale also if that is your need. Roasted versions will be […]
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Sadly, the Venezuelan Porcelano is gone, and although not a replacement for it (hah, I make myself laugh there), two new lots of a brand new origin are in.
Colombian Santander. This is a perfect example why one should not judge a book (or bean) by it’s cover (or appearance). It’s not pretty, but neither is […]
Filed under: Products, Cocoa Beans, What's new & Updates | No Comments »
Let me guess - you just can’t think of anything to get for the person who has everything. Guess again. I have just a little of this very rare cocoa bean left, and I’m putting up in the holiday spirit. Yes, it’s expensive, but it’s a one of a lifetime chance and experience.
Venezuelan Porcelano
Hot browned […]
Filed under: Cocoa Beans, What's new & Updates | 1 Comment »
There has recently been a lot of buzz about various brewing chocolates. Choffy and Crio Bru are the two big ones that come to mind. I’ve received more inquires than I can count about what makes them so special, if my roasted cocoa beans will work and how one can make their own hot chocolate […]
Filed under: Products, Cocoa Beans, What's new & Updates, Alchemist's Musings | 12 Comments »
A new beautifully prepared Criollo from Peru is in. It’s also available Wholesale, by the bag or even MT if that’s your need.
As far as the winnower is concerned, some beta units are being built. Right now aluminum and PVC. I have some pricing for Stainless steel and the first numbers coming in are looking […]
Filed under: Cocoa Beans, What's new & Updates, Cracking & Winnowing | 1 Comment »
