The gallery Espace La Vallée, located in Serris (Seine-et-Marne department) is presenting an exhibit on the history of chocolate. Through displays, panels and videos, the show covers the history of the “food of the gods” from the cacao tree (Theobroma cacao) through to the production of fine chocolates. Themes include life on the plantation, cacao [...]

Fine chocolate could soon be even healthier and tastier, thanks to the work of a team of international scientists who have cracked the DNA sequence of one of the finest varieties of cacao tree (Theobroma cacao). A team of scientists led by Claire Lanaud of France’s CIRAD (agricultural research centre), and Mark Guiltinan, of Penn [...]

The very successful Breton chocolatier and pastry chef Georges Larnicol has opened his first shop in Paris. This Meilleur Ouvrier de France already has two dozen shops in France and reportedly plans to open stores in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo later this year. Known for his playful chocolate sculptures and figurines — among [...]

A recipe for the classic galette des Rois, a traditional cake consisting of flaky puff pastry layers with a dense center of creamy frangipane, or almond cream. The recipe can easily be adapted to make a delicious chocolate variation.

The invention of these luxury chocolate confections is credited to French pâtissier Louis Dufour, who is said to have created the first chocolate truffles in the town of Chambéry (Savoie department) in December 1895 after running short of ingredients while making his Christmas sweets. Rather than turning to his competitors to purchase supplies, Monsieur Dufour [...]