The Exeter Chocolate Festival

My New Year’s Resolution – Eat More Dark Chocolate!

January 6, 2020 exeterchocfest

A new year is upon us, resolutions have been made. Exercise more, go vegan, cut out the booze, eat more chocolate.

Yes, you heard me correctly. My resolution is to eat MORE dark chocolate. Much more!

MRP_1803 Now obviously, being a chocolate taster / chocolate festival planner / chocolate educator, I am certainly coming from a pro-chocolate bias. However, on my journey to learn all I can about the all-powerful substance, I have learnt a lot about its health benefits, along with the benefits to the small chocolate makers business, the cacao farmer and the planet, in buying more of the good stuff (less of the bad).

What do I mean by the good stuff?

I’m referring to craft (or fine) chocolate. Chocolate which has been handmade in small batches by artisan makers who pay close attention to every step in the process. From sourcing the beans, to bringing out the distinctive flavours from each variety of bean.

Similar to craft beer, fine wine and speciality coffee, there’s no official definition of craft/fine chocolate. The way I define it is:

1. It celebrates the diversity of the cacao origins and flavours from around the world.
2. It prioritises ingredients of the highest quality.
3. It respects and pays everyone in the supply chain fairly.
4. It has an ingredients list which is minimal (ideally just cacao and sugar for a dark).

When you start to learn about chocolate, it’s impossible to ignore the fact the mass produced chocolate is, largely speaking, a blob of preservatives, additives and sugar. Cacao is far from the star ingredient. So instead of celebrating the diversity of the cacao bean, and taking us on a journey of exciting flavours, every bar is as predictable as the one before.

It’s not just the quality of the finished product that makes craft chocolate a much better choice. There’s also the ethical factors involved. In a nutshell:

Craft chocolate makers generally source their beans directly from the farmers or through a cacao farming co-operative. This means that the cacao farmers receive a fairer price for their labour – it may surprise you to learn that sometimes this can be 3 or 4 times higher than the Fairtrade price (or even higher).

Having this direct connection with the farmer also enables the chocolate maker to know for sure that ethical practices are in place on the farm.

But, it’s not just for ethical reasons that I wish to buy and eat more dark chocolate in 2020. I also have science on my side! There is a ton of research out there telling us that cacao is unbelievably good for us… Here is just a snippet of what I found.

Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate (minimally 70% cacao, 30% organic cane sugar) is loaded with nutrients that can positively affect your health. It is proven to have positive effects on stress levels, inflammation, mood, memory and immunity.

Chocolate is one of the few foods that taste awesome while providing significant health benefits. Made from the seed of the cocoa tree, it is one of the best sources of antioxidants on the planet!

Studies show that dark chocolate (not the aforementioned congealed blob)…

1. Is nutritious – Quality dark chocolate is rich in fiber, iron, magnesium, copper, manganese and a few other minerals.
2. Is a powerful source of antioxidants – A study showed that cocoa and dark chocolate had more antioxidant activity, polyphenols and flavanols than any other fruits tested, which included blueberries and acai berries.
3. May improve blood flow and lower blood pressure – The bioactive compounds in cocoa may improve blood flow and cause a small but statistically significant decrease in blood pressure.
4. May reduce heart disease risk.
5. May protect your skin from the sun – flavonols can protect against sun damage, improve blood flow to the skin and increase skin density and hydration.
6. Could improve brain function – Dark chocolate may improve the function of your brain. Flavonols have neuro-protective effects. In other words, problem-solving, memory and general cognition skills are kept sharp when we eat chocolate or drink cocoa.
7. May reduce diabetes risk – Eating a little dark chocolate every day reduces your insulin resistance, which means you’re less likely to develop diabetes.

I hope that this has given you just a few more reasons to buy and eat fine quality dark chocolate in 2020. If you would like some inspiration for bars to try, Cocoa Runners is a good place to start (www.cocoarunners.co.uk) or you can email me on hello@celebratecacao.co.uk.

Happy New Year!

Interview – Lisa from the Chocolate Tart

October 30, 2019 exeterchocfest

What got you interested in chocolate?

I had an event catering company. I was a recommended caterer in The Lord Chancellors Residence in The House of Lords, cooking events for the government, senior judiciary and charities. I was honoured to be invited a number of times to cook for the Queen. On the first occasion Eton Mess was requested for her pudding. I made cylindrical, wafer thin chocolate cups to serve it in. So many of my chefs didn’t know how to temper chocolate which gives the fabulous shine and snappy structure to the chocolate – and I wasn’t too good at it either!! So I started to research. I got quite obsessed and then the idea of sharing my knowledge with a chocolate school was born! Initially I imagined only teaching other chefs. But right from the beginning I had students who just loved chocolate or wanted an experience and a lovely memory!

How long have you been running chocolate workshops?

I started The Chocolate Tart in 2007.

What’s the best part of your job?

The best part of my job is meeting so many lovely people. Everyone coming into the workshop is celebrating something, having a treat or just simply “me time”. I get quiet groups, noisy groups, groups of total strangers who all have the love of chocolate or creativity in common! I love the mix and have made many good friends through my work.

You are running the Knackali making workshops? What are Knackali, and what skills will we learn?

Knackali are chocolate discs set on edible cocoa butter screen printed transfer paper. The pattern is embossed on the underside of the chocolate as it sets. The discs are decorated with a selection of toppings. We have everything from mini candies, crystallised flowers, fruit and nut. You will learn how to make these gorgeous little mouthfuls so that they look professional and are packaged for you to take home and show off to friends and family.

Lisa is running her popular Knackali making workshops throughout the festival this weekend. If you would like to book a space, click here to visit the booking page!

Interview – Ali from Truly Scrumptious

October 29, 2019October 29, 2019 exeterchocfest

What got you interested in chocolate?

I have always been fascinated by the art of chocolate making so after trying a few truffle recipes, I decided I wanted to know more and enrolled on my very first course. YouTube and recipe books only taught me so much and there were questions I had that online tutorials couldn’t answer.

When did you first make chocolate?

About 3 years ago when I was just playing around with some recipes.

How was your first attempt at making chocolate?

Not brilliant, hence the reason for enrolling on a course!

How and from where do you source your ingredients?

My ingredients are sourced as locally as possible. For example, I use a terrific vanilla paste that it manufactured locally from the ‘Little Pod Vanilla Company’. My chocolate is sourced from suppliers who, in turn, source an array of ethically produced couverture chocolate. They are mindful of the carbon footprint and all of the chocolate is fair trade!

Anything you are particularly proud of about your products?

I won the Runner Up prize for best new business at the Exmouth Chamber of Commerce business awards. The parties I run are unique and equally fabulous in their own right with many reviews from parents. The chocolate I use is very delicious and I only like to use natural ingredients.

What’s your best-selling product?

My parties are by far my best selling product!

What are your ambitions for the future?

To increase my party areas and recruit party chocolatiers to run the parties in other areas. To be the No 1 chocolate party supplier throughout the south west.

What’s your favourite type of chocolate?

Milk chocolate all the way, followed by dark.

If you would like to talk to Ali about booking a children’s chocolate party, she will be at the Exeter Chocolate Festival running the chocolate lollipop decoration station!

Interview – Annie from the Chocolate Pizza Company

October 23, 2019October 23, 2019 exeterchocfest

What got you interested in chocolate pizzas?

I love the fact that chocolate pizzas are what I call ‘a happy product’, they always make people smile. After being given the opportunity to take over The Chocolate Pizza Company from the previous owner, a good friend of mine, I jumped at the chance of a new challenge and the thought of playing with chocolate all day was an exciting prospect. So I made the change from teaching to running my own business in order to create a better work/life balance.

When did you first make chocolate & how was your first attempt?

The transition in the early days was a steep learning curve, and with the guidance of my friend I made my first chocolate pizza in April 2014. The art of tempering is not an easy one to grasp quickly but with a great tutor and lots of practice, I was improving. The family enjoyed lots of rejects in the early stages. Since then I have developed my skills and have three different sized tempering machines which help me to produce the large amounts needed, all in my specially built chocolate workshop.

What achievement are you most proud of?

Once I had grasped making chocolate pizzas, I decided to become more adventurous and started experimenting with flavoured bars and shards which I sold at events. It was at one of these events that I was approached to retail my bars and shards at a local garden centre. I am proud to say that three years on, that retailer still stocks my chocolate and I have acquired several more outlets since.

I entered my Dark Chocolate Raspberry Shards for the Taste of the West awards this year and was very pleased to receive a Silver award. Apart from that I get a great deal of pleasure form the compliments I receive from customers when they have received a chocolate pizza in the post, and also listening to positive comments when they taste my flavours at events etc.

What’s your best-selling product?

When it comes to the chocolate pizzas, my ‘Totally Stuffed’ is the most popular but I have recently launched a ‘Big Breakfast’ Chocolate Pizza which is hot on its tails.

What are your ambitions for the future?

I hope that my business continues to thrive and that I can gain more retail outlets over time, whilst still enjoying making chocolate and get excited about our new creations and flavours.

What’s your mission statement?

The Chocolate Pizza Company is about providing something a little bit different whether it be an unusual gift in the form of a chocolate pizza, or a delicious unusual chocolate flavour combination. I am proud to place ‘Made in Devon’ on my products and being a sole business venture love the fact that I am the contact throughout the process, therefore providing a great personal service.

My personal statement however would be ‘Do what makes you happy and live life for today’. I feel this reflects in my business too.

What’s your favourite type of chocolate?

Oh so much to choose from! I am a sucker for my Salted Caramel Honeycomb, Cornish 71% Sea Salt Shards and White Chocolate Raspberry Bars, so it is clear that I like all types of chocolate. I do find that I eat more dark chocolate nowadays though. However, my guilty pleasure when stopping at the petrol station is to grab a Chunky Kit Kat!

You will be able to get your hands on Annie’s Chocolate Pizzas and other products at the Exeter Chocolate Festival, but if you can’t wait until then you can buy online by clicking here!

Interview – Lisa from Freda’s Peanut Butter

October 18, 2019October 17, 2019 exeterchocfest

When did you first make peanut butter?

We first started making peanut butter around 3.5 years ago after we were inspired on a trip to New Zealand in a camper van called Freda.

How was your first attempt?

The first attempts were not great! I blew up the first two food processors that I had, but then we invested in some better kit and we got much better results.

Tell us about your ingredients?

Our peanuts are high oleic from Argentina. We’ve learned a lot about peanuts, and in our opinion these are simply the best. Everything we add is organic with the exception of Chipotle chillies and Cornish Sea Salt.

Is there anything you are particularly proud of?

Since we started using these peanuts we’ve received some fabulous awards. Three Golds, two Silvers and a Commended from Taste of the West and a wonderful two Gold stars for our Coconut flavour from the Great Taste awards.

What is your best selling product?

Our best seller has always been the Cornish Sea Salt flavour – it’s the simplest of them all – just peanuts and sea salt, nothing else. Incidentally, our Chocolate flavour peanut butter has been having a little rest but we will be launching our Chocolate Orange flavour just in time for the Exeter Chocolate Festival!

You will be able to buy Freda’s peanut butter, handmade in Cornwall, at the Exeter Chocolate Festival. See you there!

Interview – Janet from Grown Up Marshmallows

October 15, 2019October 15, 2019 exeterchocfest

What got you interested in marshmallows?

I didn’t use to like the pink and white marshmallows in the shop. So, I thought there was no chance I would eat marshmallows when making them. Once perfected, I now have to taste every single batch of Grown Up Marshmallows!

When did you first make marshmallows?

I first made marshmallows as a treat for my students in the classroom who made a significant effort.

How was your first attempt at making marshmallows?

My first attempt was poles apart from the alchemy that developed Grown Up Marshmallows.

How and from where do you source your ingredients?

My ingredients are either home grown organically or ethically sourced as locally as possible to consider my green food miles.

Anything you are particularly proud of about your products?

I am particularly proud of HRH The Duchess of Cornwall’s reaction when she sampled my Grown Up Marshmallows and exclaimed. ‘Oh those are delicious!’

What’s your best-selling product?

Summer Fruit and Sicilian Lemon are probably my best selling marshmallows. It’s so difficult to call when everyone has their favourite. Best buy our new Variety box I say, which will be launched at the Exeter Chocolate Festival!

What achievement are you most proud of?

I am most proud of making it this far. It’s been a struggle at times, but I have stuck by my ethics and philosophy of the company that tries to act ‘out of consideration for the planet’ throughout production, provenance or biodegradable packaging.

What are your ambitions for the future?

My ambitions for the future are to perfect the Vegan Marshmallows. I have produced a great tasting vegan marshmallow, but simply cannot produce it on a commercial scale as yet… but I will!

What’s your mission statement?

Grown Up Marshmallows mission statement is ‘…out of consideration for the planet.’ The environment and minimising my impact upon it has been my passion ever since I can remember. I certainly wasn’t going to abandon that when developing my product.

What’s your favourite marshmallow?

My favourite Grown Up Marshmallow is Dipped Chocolate. All that soft vanilla marshmallow dipped in 72% Fair Trade Chocolate is just… so yum!

You can buy Janet’s delicious marshmallows at the Exeter Chocolate Festival! But if you can’t wait until then to get your hands on them, you can buy online by clicking here.

Interview – John from Cacoa Elora

October 11, 2019October 9, 2019 exeterchocfest

What got you interested in chocolate?

I started off working with other people’s chocolate, Belgian then single origin. And then I came across a few bean to bar makers which got me thinking it would be great to make it from scratch and have more influence over our products. We still do it on a small scale although every minute at home seems to be taken up with chocolate making these days.

When did you first make chocolate?

January 2017.

How was your first attempt at making chocolate?

Pretty good although we seed tempered at the time and until we switched to marble hand tempering we kept having difficulties. After making a few whites we stopped out of frustration, as the grinder was just not wanting to behave itself.

How and from where do you source your beans?

We do notice that makers are precious about their sources but wherever possible we get as direct as possible or use traders who support growers. As we work across a large range of origins we buy in smaller quantities too which has also been a challenge. We are, for example, the only UK maker working with beans from St Vincent & the Grenadines, and one of the few who rates Ugandan beans.

Anything you are particularly proud of about your products?

We won a Great Taste Award for our St Vincent. Meeting the lead actress from Line of Duty one time doing a food and craft market. Combining being a maker with a full-time job and of course featuring in Andrew Baker’s recent book Bean to Bar A Chocolate Lover’s Guide to Britain.

What’s your best-selling product?

Our Almond Dark Milk 70g bar, the 74% Ugandan dark and our 80% Colombian Huila dark.

What achievement are you most proud of?

Keeping going despite Brexit and the economic downturn.

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What are your ambitions for the future?

To move production out of our kitchen and to get stocked in a number of exclusive outlets alongside other makers.

What’s your favourite type of chocolate?

After ours I like Omnom’s chocolate from Iceland, chocolate by Fris Holm Denmark, and from the UK – Tosier, Bullion, Seed amongst the bean to bar makers.

You can buy from Cacoa Elora at the Exeter Chocolate Festival. But if you can’t wait until then to get your hands on some, you can buy online by clicking here.