Most chocolate lovers will agree that eating chocolate feels good. But did you know that quality dark chocolate is also good for you? An upcoming exhibit at Paris’s Choco-Story, Le Musée Gourmand du Chocolat entitled Chocolat et Santé (Chocolate and Health) will explore the health benefits of dark chocolate. From boxes of medicinal chocolate and … Continue reading Exhibit: Chocolate and Health
In keeping with his bold and unconventional style, Parisian chocolatier Patrick Roger has created some audacious chocolate treats to mark Valentine’s Day — chocolate breasts! The cheeky confections consist of a creamy salted caramel mousse filling covered with a thin layer of dark chocolate dusted with cocoa powder. Master chocolatier Roger came up with the … Continue reading Chocolate breasts, anyone?
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 … Continue reading Tales of Chocolate in La Vallée Village
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 … Continue reading World’s finest chocolate could soon get even better
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 … Continue reading Chocolatier Georges Larnicol drops anchor in Paris
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 … Continue reading Dark Chocolate Truffles with Cognac and Orange Extract
