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RECENT ARTICLES
James Beard hosts The Secret Chocolatier
Chocolate at the James Beard House
On By Andy Ciordia / 0 comments
As you can tell I’m still playing catchup from the end of the 2011 holiday season. During which we were asked by Chef Joe Bonaparte of the International Art Institute... Read more
Chef Bill Dietz of The Secret Chocolatier and Casey Hickey of 21 Degrees
The Secret Chocolatier Thanks Twenty Degrees
On By Andy Ciordia / 0 comments
In Charlotte the chocolate community is still in its infancy. There is good and bad to that. The good side is of course first mover advantage. We path find for... Read more
Poprock-Photography-Yelp-CMYE-Chocolate-Tasting
R&D: Taza 60% Ganache Taste Test
On By Andy Ciordia / 0 comments
We are always testing new thoughts, tastes, creations, ideas.. Many of them will never see the light of day but many others we will put out to select groups to... Read more
Infusion Series: Lavender Chocolate Truffles
Infusion Series: Lavender Chocolate Truffles
On By Robin Ciordia / 0 comments
It’s Time to Relax with Chocolate Truffles Infused with Lavender Soothing, calming, a walk through the garden. Descriptors I use for our lavender infused chocolate truffles. Balancing Lavender Chocolate Ganache... Read more
Infusion Series: Molasses Chocolate Truffles
On By Andy Ciordia / 0 comments
While our season for these has concluded we’ll still happily make these delicious chocolates on special request. Unlocking Molasses in Chocolate We have been trying to figure out a good way to intertwine chocolate and what are basically the sugar waters (fructose) of the cane and tree families. It is not easy. We want the flavor but not the added water and sugar. In the end sometimes you can reduce the natural syrups further increasing the flavor. Others you will begin removing some of your cream to balance the water.... Read more
Infusion Series: Ancho Pepper Chocolate Truffle
On By Andy Ciordia / 0 comments
As Hot As Possible at the Market Adding hot peppers to chocolate is a very binary experience. Meaning you either love it, or hate it. We have a large following locally who desire our ancho pepper chocolate truffles and chide us all year long waiting for their return. During our first week of Fall infusions we couldn’t keep them stocked at any of our markets. Sourcing Ancho Peppers Ancho is another thing we can proudly source locally. We use Eric and Cathy of As Hot As Possible for our ancho... Read more
Searching for Chocolate Truffles
On By Andy Ciordia / 0 comments
In a world where the artisan chocolates and the industrial collide finding that perfect chocolate truffle seems more elusive than ever. Even if you're going to craft you're own chocolate truffle recipe it's a good idea to search down the quality so you and others can enjoy them that much more. Read more