"It is dark as the AlChemist walks along the corridor, rough stone under his feet, air warmed from well smoldering hearth fires stirring his cowl. He opens a hewn timber door, worn smooth at the threshold over years of use. He breaths deeply the comforting smells of this laboratory. Hints of wood and smoke linger in the air from the last time he roasted raw materials for his elixirs. Another smell, heady and almost intoxicating, brings a smile to his face as he remembers the smell wafting up as he was last grinding his pastes and powders. He looks about. Everything is in place. The roasting drum is cool in the hearth. The mortars and pestles are laid out neat and tidy, only a small amount of deep brown paste marring their finish. The cracking mill is sitting ready, waiting for the next batch to be crushed fresh out of the roaster. It is time to begin his magic, his devotion, his passion, his Alchemy, yet again. He prepares himself for the work ahead. The roasting, the cracking, the winnowing, the grinding, the mixing. The transformation of base materials into something more than they were. The transformation of cocoa beans to chocolate, the work of Chocolate Alchemy."
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The newest shipment of Melangers have arrived in port. They are available and we are taking orders but they won’t ship until next week sometime due to back logs. And for those paying attention, Santha has requested that they be referred to as Spectra now. It’s the same item.
And look for more […]
Filed under: Products, Cocoa Beans, Refining & Conching, What's new & Updates | 2 Comments »
The tangy and umami laden Mexican Tabasco is back in stock.
Filed under: Cocoa Beans, What's new & Updates | No Comments »
I have been getting this question a lot lately, so I though I would address it. The new Melangers (Spectra 10 - previously the Santha Wet Grinder) should land by the end of the month and be available shortly after. I am not taking pre-orders. There will be plenty. Also coming in this shipment are […]
Filed under: Cocoa Beans, What's new & Updates | 1 Comment »
How’s that for a title?
I celebrated 12th night last night (secular form actually) and for dessert I prepared a fresh Tabasco (bean of course) based flourless torte - just to die for. I thought I would share both parts.
69% Dark Tabasco chocolate - 6.25 lbs
5 lbs of Tabasco cocoa
5 oz Natural cocoa butter
30 oz […]
Filed under: Products, Cocoa Beans, Roasting, Refining & Conching, What's new & Updates, Grinding, Cracking & Winnowing, Alchemist's Mussings | 2 Comments »
The new Mexican Cocoa from Tabasco is in. It has a really wonder Umami character and exemplifies savory. New in is also a very mellow one from Ghana.
That’s about it for now. The new Behmor 1600 gourmet coffee and Cocoa roaster is due in about a month. I am working on […]
Filed under: Products, Cocoa Beans, What's new & Updates | 1 Comment »
The new crop of Ocumare (a delicate Criollo from Venezuela) is in and available. If a few of you want to jump on it, there is a small window of opportunity to taste and compare both crops. There are a few pounds of the Ocumare 2006 left. I have set the limit […]
Filed under: Cocoa Beans, Roasting, What's new & Updates | 2 Comments »
