Chococo Expands

Thursday 14th October

On Thursday 7th October Chococo, the award-winning Swanage based chocolatier, opened its new chocolate factory, with everyone involved toasting the new space with a mug of Chococo’s scrumptious hot chocolate. 

The company, which was set up by husband and wife team Claire and Andy Burnet, started in Swanage, but after eight years of growth it needed to find more space. So, from early October, the making, packing and mail order teams are now based at their new facility, christened…

Eric Lanlard recipe and top baking tips

Wednesday 13th October

Cake maker to the stars Eric Lanlard has recently launched his latest book, Home Bake published by Mitchell Beazley and has kindly shared with us his chocolate fondant recipe and his top tips for baking with chocolate.

ERIC LANLARD’S HOT CHOCOLATE FONDANT
For me this is the easiest, almost foolproof, chocolate fondant recipe. The secret’s in the timing, don’t guess. Set your kitchen timer and you’ll be able to serve your friends the most tasty, warm, chocolatey…

The World’s Largest Chocolate Truffle

Monday 11th October

Happy Chocolate Week everyone. We start with some very exciting news. The UK is now home to the World’s largest chocolate truffle! Yesterday, at 16.25 on Sunday 10 October, 2010, Chris Long & Gianni D’Aniello at The Queen’s Head Inn in Bromsgrove, broke the world record for making the largest chocolate truffle.

The dynamic duo began constructing the truffle from Callebaut chocolate at 11am, observed in shifts by independent witnesses from the local community. By 16.25…

The Academy of Chocolate Conference

Saturday 9th October

Before the industry starts the Chocolate Week celebrations we held a conference at the RAC in Central London. The Academy of Chocolate’s first conference was a great success with a mixture of people who work in the chocolate World and pastry chefs. Craig Sams, founder of Green & Blacks kicked off the proceedings with a fascinating talk on the foundation and basis of cacao. Tony Lass, an expert in agronomy of cacao was next, talking about cacao farmers and how 95% of cacao is produced…

Japanese Week at William Curley

Thursday 30th September

From Friday 24th September, 10 incredible days of Japanese inspired Events, Tastings and Master Classes in Belgravia.

William’s usual Sea Salt Caramel and Truffle Making week-end courses will be replaced by lessons in the art of creating Japanese influenced chocolates including the Toasted Sesame Couture Chocolate and the Yamazaki Whiskey Truffle.

They have also planned some very special evenings including a Japanese Tea and Chocolate Pairing event, hosted by William Curley…