Book Review: Couture Chocolate by William Curley

A decadent chocolate treat is just the thing to enjoy at the end of the day. Not only is it a delicious treat for yourself, it's a wonderful gift to give to someone else. While I've made a few chocolate candies in my day and even sold them for a while at craft fairs, none of my treats compare to some of the amazing chocolate creations made by William Curley, four-time winner of the Academy of Chocolate's Award Best British Chocolatier. Chocolate Couture is a master class in chocolate and chocolate making all rolled into one book.

Couture Chocolate features chocolates and patisseries that William has created along with the inspiration behind his unique flavor combinations. The first chapter will give you an introduction to the history of cocoa and its origins in South America. You will learn about the process used to turn the cocoa pods into couverture chocolate which is the final stage of chocolate making. There is a very detailed section of definitions that will introduce you to the different types of chocolates and the terminology used in grading and discussing chocolates. You'll learn what's involved in tasing chocolate and how to best store it. There is a step by step process that explains classic tempering of chocolate and how it's different from seeded tempering. The introduction also includes a recipe for basic ganache that you will use in other recipes in the book.

The rest of the book focuses on different types of chocolates including Truffles, Couture Chocolates, Bars & Bites, Bouchees, Cakes & Biscuits, Patisserie; and Ice cream, Sauces, and Drinks. Each chapter explains the type of chocolate creation that will be featured and gives detailed, step by step directions including many photographs to show you how to make them. You will first learn the basic technique for each type of chocolate. Once that has been explained, recipes variations of chocolates that use that technique are included. Also included are many trips and tricks that will help you create the best quality chocolate. The photographs themselves are enough to put inches on your hips. These are not your typical candy recipes. These are the types of chocolates most of us only dream about.

Article Author: Confessions of an Overworked Mom

Vermont blogger with an avid interest in eco-friendly, time saving, gourmet products. She enjoys cooking, gardening and all things country. An active professional blogger with a degree in Marketing and 20+ years experience in the business arena. Blogging since 2008.
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