Anyone Can Make Chocolate
How to Start
Initially making chocolate can be overwhelming, no one step is particularly hard, but there are many steps and after years of teaching we’ve found there are two paths for new makers:
Comparing Nib To Bar vs Bean To Bar
| Requirments List | Nib to Bar | Bean To Bar |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | Melanger | Roaster, cracker, winnower, melanger, |
| Time Required | 24-48 hours | 2-3 days |
| Skill Level | Beginner | Intermediate to advanced |
| Flavor Control | Good | Excellent |
| Processing | N/A | Roasting, cracking, winnowing required |
| Learning Curve | Gentler | Steeper |
| Cost to Start | Lower | Higher |
The above chart is starting with roasted nibs vs raw beans.Nib to Bar: the simple route
If you're looking for an easier introduction, our Nib to Bar pathway is ideal. This method skips the initial roasting and winnowing stages, allowing you to start with pre-roasted cocoa nibs. You'll focus on:
Refining: Turn nibs into chocolate liquor.
Tempering and Molding: Learn to temper your chocolate for a professional finish.
This pathway is perfect for those who want to start making chocolate quickly and easily, with fewer steps and equipment.
Bean to Bar: the full experience
For those who want to immerse themselves in the complete chocolate-making process, our Bean to Bar pathway is it.
Selecting and Roasting Cocoa Beans: Learn to choose the best beans and how to properly profile roast them.
Cracking and Winnowing: Master the techniques to separate nibs from husks.
Grinding and Refining: Understand the art of transforming nibs into smooth chocolate.
Tempering and Molding: Achieve that perfect snap and shine in your finished bars.
We provide detailed tutorials and all the necessary equipment to guide you through each step, ensuring you create high-quality chocolate from scratch.
Who Are We?
Chocolate Alchemy was founded in 2004 to demystify chocolate making and make it accessible to home enthusiasts and small-scale artisans.
Over the years, we’ve become a trusted resource for high-quality ingredients, specialized equipment, and comprehensive educational content.
Our founder, John Nanci, also known as "Alchemist John" has shared his extensive knowledge through detailed guides and tutorials, and over 300 “Ask The Alchemist” answers to community questions, while also inventing, or working with established equipment manufacturers to bring chocolate making into the home/craft era.
Chocolate Alchemy has gained recognition for its dedication to education and quality, earning accolades within the chocolate-making community such as:
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