Word of Mouth Sales: Free Chocolate with Referral

From now until August 31st, 2009, refer Jade Chocolates to any retail store outside of California and get over $30 of free chocolate from us!  We’re looking to expand our line across the nation and what better way than to get a little help from our own valued customers.  If you know of any high end gourmet markets, organic markets, tea shops, wine and cheese shops, spas, cigar bars, wineries and wine bars, or chocolate shops let them know about Jade Chocolates, then send us an email and we’ll do our best to get our products there.

Here are the rules:

  • We must get our chocolates into the store within 45 days of your suggestion.
  • It must be a store that we currently do not have any product lines in.
  • Limit of two $30 chocolate gifts per customer.
  • We reserve the right not to pursue any suggested outlet that may not be a good match for our products.

Send us your suggestions to wholesale@jadechocolates.com  Make sure you let your recommended store know about us too.

An Informative Night at the Commonwealth Club: Women & Chocolate

Join us for an informative night with a panel of women-owned chocolate companies based in the San Francisco Bay Area.  Along with myself, Kathy Wiley of Poco Dolce, Malena Lopez-Maggi of The Xocolate Bar, and Christine Doerr of Neo Cocoa will be discussing our roles in the chocolate business.

The discussion is followed by a chocolate tasting of our products with complimentary wine.  Don’t miss out on this opportunity so hear straight from us chocolatiers. Hope to see you there.

Seating is limited. Click here for tickets.

Guittard’s Guest Chef Series with Andrew Shotts, part 2

The following is a photo journal of the class I took with Chef Andrew Shotts.  Some details may be missing as only the photos shown here are described. I highly recommend you take a class for a more thorough and complete understanding.

 USING A GUITAR CUTTER

1. Align edge of ganache to the edge of the guitar and slowly lower the handle.  Use your free hand to make sure that the ganache does not move.shotts cutting with guitar

 

 

shotts guitar2.  Use a thin sheet metal to transfer the cut ganache and back onto the cutter. In this photo, a clear straight edge is used to guide the ganache onto the sheet metal.

         shotts wiping guitar strings

3.  Wipe the strings with a dry towel.        

 

                                                        

                                                                                                                                                                                                    4.  Load the cut ganache back onto the cutter at a 90 degree angle. Use a straight edge to position the ganache.

shotts loading guitar

5. In this photo, the top of shotts evening out ganachethe ganache was cut flush.  Sometimes the edges of the ganache may bowed and should be fixed for a consistent product.

 shotts drying out squares

6.  Separate out the cut squares and let dry for one day before enrobing. 

 

 

 

 

DECORATING ENROBED OR HAND DIPPED CHOCOLATES

USING TRANSER SHEETS

shotts laying transfer sheet

1.  Once you have enrobed your chocolate pieces, place a transfer sheet onto the top of the wet chocolate.  Using a dipping fork, gently press the down on the sheet using small circles to making sure that the entire surface of the bonbon is in contact with the transfer sheet. 

 

 

 

shotts peeling transfer sheet

2.  Preferably, wait one day before peeling off the transfer sheet.  Your bonbons will get a shinier surface.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HAND DECORATING

shotts tip technique

1.  In the photo shown, a piping tip is used to  decorate the top of the bonbon.  (The bottoms of the pieces have a noticeable foot due to the change in speed in the enrobing belts).

A dipping fork may be used to decorate your piece or just about any suface that can give an interesting texture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

shotts enrobing detail

2.  The design from the piping tip is subtle and beautiful.

 

 

 

 

 

TIPS FOR USING MOLDS

 1.  Cocoa butter to be sprayed into molds should be at 86 degrees F. If it gets too hot, pour back and forth between two containers as shown in the photo until the desired temperature is achieved.shotts cooling colored cocoa butter

2.  Spray the molds and let sit to dry.

shotts air brushing

3.  Turn over the mold and clean the excess cocoa butter off by rubbing the mold onto a papshotts cleaning colored molder towel.

 

 

shotts bottom mold2

4.  Using a ladle, pour tempered chocolate over the mold.  Slightly angle the mold as shown and using an offset spatula, wipe away excess chocolate.   Tap out the air bubbles on the side of the table and turn the mold over back into the bowl. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

shotts shell molding5.  Turn the molds over and let it harden.  Chef Shotts recommends that the molds should be made the same day that it is filled and used up to an hour in advance.

 

shotts filling molds

6.  Pipe the ganache into the prepared molds.  Be careful not to over fill the molds. The photo taken here, shows the proper way end your to piping.  Once the mold is filled, stop the flow of ganache with your thumb and forefinger while the tip of the bag is buried into the piped ganache.  This eliminates the ‘top of the hershey’s kiss effect’.  This is important when sealing the bottom of the bonbon.

 

shotts bottom mold37.   Slightly angle the mold as shown and ladle chocolate onto the mold.  Go up softly with a palette knife and make sure that the chocolate covers the top cells.  Then using a soft gentle motion, sweep the chocolate downward over the remaining cells in the mold.  Once you are certain that all the cells are covered, press firmly with a palette knife and sweep away the excess chocolate.

 

shotts molded bonbons

8.  Leave the molds in the refrigerator for for about 10-15 minutes so that the chocolate has sufficient time to contract away from the mold.  The finished pieces are shown here.

 

 

 

 

This is just a few of the techniques we learned.  If you want to know more, take one of Andrew Shotts classes.

Guittard’s Guest Chef Series with Andrew Shotts, part 1

Lucky me! I was a part of Guittard’s first Guest Chef Series at the Guittard Chocolate Studio in Los Angeles. The guest instructor was Andrew Shotts of Garrison Confections.  For three days we learned the art of  chocolate pralines and candy making.  Jade Chocolates has plans to branch into truffle making within the next few years.  This class is the first step to reaching this milestone and since I was once told that I needed 10,000 hours of ‘playtime’ in truffle making before I’m considered a pro in my field, I figure I better start tinkering with truffles now.

Our Instructors

From left to right:  Andrew Shotts, Sally Camacho, Donald Wressell.

shotts smiling Andrew Garrison Shotts:He was recently awarded the Food Network’s Top Chocolatier in America.  His current operation is based in Providence, Rhode Island where his team creates seasonal bonbon collections which changes every three months. Other notable awards he has accumulated: In 2000 and 2002, he was Pastry’s Art & Design’s “Ten Best Pastry Chefs in America”, and won silver in 2000 and 2001 at the National Pastry Team Championships in Beaver Creek. 

shotts wressell smiling Donald Wressell: He currently is the Corporate Pastry Chef for Guittard Chocolate.  He has also worked as Assistant Pastry Chef for Four Seasons Hotel in Philadelphia and as the Executive Pastry Chef for Four Seasons Los Angeles. His accomplishments include being named Southern California’s Restaurant Writers Pastry Chef of the Year in 2003.  In 1998 and 1999, he was named one of the “Ten Pastry Chefs in America” by Pastry Art & Design Magazine.  Chef  Donald has also represented the USA in several competitions including the World Cup of Pastry.  In 1995 and 2005, Donald helped USA acquire a Bronze Medal.  In 2001, he helped lead the team to Gold, the first time the Gold Medal was won by a USA team. 

 shotts sally enrobing belt blog

Sally Camacho:  A graduate from the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, she had previously worked under Chef Donald Wressell at the Four Seasons Los Angeles for five years where she learned everything from plated desserts to wedding cakes.  She also assisted him in training for his many competitions.  In 2005, she was Assistant Pastry Chef to Chef Frederic Robert at the Wynn Resort in Las Vegas.  She then was Pastry Chef for the James Beard award winning restaurant Bradley Ogden in Caesar’s Palace.  Her last position was Executive Pastry Chef at Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort in Miami, Florida.  She now is free-lance consulting and teaches classes on wedding and specialty cakes at the Ewald Notter School of Confectionery Arts in Orlando, Florida. In 2007,  Chef Sally was a part of the Amoretti National Pastry Team.

Some of the recipes created in the kitchen included:

  • Baja popcorn
  • Candied Nuts
  • Crispy Crunchies
  • Marshmallows
  • Salted Caramel (Molded Bonbon)
  • Lime (Enrobed Bonbon)
  • Habanero (Enrobed Bonbon)
  • Creme Brulee (Enrobed Bonbon), etc.

Watch out for the next post with more photos and tips  taught by Chef Andrew Shotts. In the meantime, here are a few photos of the finished products.

shotts table scape truffles

 Enrobed pieces

shotts candied nuts

Candied pistachios

bark

Dark chocolate bark with candied pistachios, hazelnuts, almonds and ginger

A Gala Affair for Roy Yamaguchi

 st francis facadeA few nights ago, I attended the Five Star Aloha Gala Affair honoring Roy Yamaguchi who received the Kuli I Ka Nu’u award which recognizes the actions and accomplishments of individuals who have added to the richness and diversity of Northern California and become leaders and role models for kama`aina (people with ties to Hawai’i) and Bay Area communities.
It was  hosted by the Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce of Northern California and the proceeds of the event benefits scholarships to Hawaiian students.  Jade Chocolates donated a large bamboo steamer gift set for the silent auction. 

roy roomI couldn’t pass up an event for Roy Yamaguchi, who helped shape the cuisine of Hawaii, known as “Hawaiian Fusion© Cuisine”.   His food is ingenius, and his chocolate souffle, is unsharable in my book. 

Roy Yamaguchi previously was awarded the James Beard “Best Pacific Northwest Chef” award.  To date, there are 35 Roy’s of Hawaii restaurants.  It’s a must that you try his butterfish and his chocolate souffle. There is also a great prix fixe menu.

roy me and christina

Here’s the handsome Roy Yamaguchi in the middle, me on the right and my friend Christina on the left.

roy sam and jan

Also at this event was Chef Alan Wong, new anchor Jan Yanehiro, and my friend Bela.

In 1994, Wong was recognized by Robert Mondavi Winery as one of 13 Rising Star Chefs in America. In 1996, he was awarded the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Pacific Northwest. In 2001, he was awarded Chef of the Year by Santé Magazine. Also in 2001, Gourmet Magazine ranked one of his restaurants number six in a listing of America’s Best Fifty Restaurants. And in 2006, Alan Wong was a guest judge in the TV show, Top Chef .

Chocolate Krispies

blog-krispies

As promised, here’s yet another  recipe that I served up at my Chocolate Intimate Affair party I threw a few weeks ago.  The chocolate is melted, rather than tempered, making this recipe quick and easy.  There’s only 3 ingredients and is suitable for kids to make as well. 

6 oz. dark chocolate (60%-65% cacao)
3 cups rice krispies
raspberries or other fruit, optional

Over a double boiler, melt chocolate.  Take bowl off of the heat and pour in the rice krispies until all of the cereal is coated.  Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.  Take a tablespoon and scoop up cereal and mound onto foil.  Gently press fruit onto top of mound. 

Place baking sheet in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to set the chocolate. 

If topped with raspberry, you can store these up to two days covered loosely with aluminum foil.  Makes approximately 45 pieces.

Variation: Try puffed brown rice instead of rice krispies.  It will be less sweet with a chewier texture.

Spring Mixed Greens with Mangoes and Nibs

Fresh mangoes are my absolute favorite fruit.  This simple recipe is quick and easy and full of flavor.  The toasted nibs adds crunch and nuttiness and is an excellent alternative for those who are allergic to nuts.  

blog-mango nib salad horizontal

1 package spring mixed greens
1 ripe but still firm mango
 5 tablespoons flavored balsamic vinegar
(I used Champagne Pear by Bellindora)
 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/8 cup cacao nibs

Take a knife and peel away skin of mango.  Cut down length of mango, on both sides of the seed being careful not to cut into the seed. Take one side of the cut mango and slice into slender pieces. Set aside.

Take a dry pan and over medium heat, roast nibs for 2-3 minutes. Be sure to move nibs around in the pan while dry roasting.

Whisk vinegar and olive oil until well blended. Add packaged greens to a bowl and toss with vinegar and olive oil.  Take half of nibs and toss into salad.  Place salad onto plate and top with mangoes and remaining nibs.

a note about nibs: When you use nibs, be sure to check for foriegn debris and shells.  It is not uncommon to find pieces of shell in a bag of nibs.

Business After Hours SF Chamber of Commerce Event

blog-after hours att

 

Jade Chocolates recently  joined our local Chamber of Commerce just in time to participate in it’s largest event, Business After Hours Grand Expo 2009 held at AT&T Park club level.

 

 

blog-chamber table ac

Here’s a photo of our table scape.  Was it the beauty of the display or the cute guy behind the table that attracted so many attendees to our table???  By the way, that’s A.C.,  he recently came on board with Jade Chocolates and is in charge of marketing and sales in the LA area. 

Also, Congratulations to Denise Chenier of mylocal121.com and Rebecca White of rebeccarealtor.com!   They both won Jade Chocolates’ four bar set at the event.

Chocolate-Coconut Soup with Caramelized Bananas

I served up this rich chocolate soup at my Intimate Chocolate Affair party.  This recipe is taken from the book by Maricel Presilla, called “The New Taste of Chocolate: A Cultural & Natural History of Cacao with Recipes”.   The soup is silky, full of flavor and extremely rich. 

The recipe is adapted by Mary Cech, the pastry chef  who teaches at the Napa Valley branch of the Culinary Institute of America.  Slightly modified version of Mary Cech’s version of the recipe, she calls for fresh bananas instead of caramelized and serves with honey-cocoa wafers.   According to the recipe, the recipes makes 4 servings in standard sized bowls.  I used little sipping cups as a starter appetizer and can serve 8-10 people.

blog-chocolate soup caramelized bananas

 

CHOCOLATE-COCONUT SOUP

The text in red are my notes.

  • 4 ounces  Guittard chocolate ( I used 72% cacao Coucher du Soleil, Mary calls for 70% cacao Onyx), finely chopped.
  • 1 cup canned coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons coconut syrup (such as Monin or Torani) 
  • 2/3 cup sweet dessert wine, such as Beaumes-de-Venise, vin santo, or sweet sherry.  (I used Il Santo Baroncini) 
  • 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) salted butter
  • 2 tablespoons sugar

Caramelized Bananas

  • 1 banana
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar

To make the soup, combine the chocolate and coconut milk in the top of a double boiler over simmering water and stir until the chocolate is melted.  Add the coconut syrup, wine, butter, and sugar.  Stir until the butter and sugar are smoothly dissolved. 

To serve, instead of ladling into 4 bowls as Mary suggests, I used little sipping cups and served this as an appetizer.  I find that the soup is extremely rich and having an entire bowl would be overwhelming. 

To make the caramelized bananas, slice bananas into coins.  In a small bowl, add sugar and bananas and coat well.

Spray  a nonstick pan with cooking spray and heat over medium high.  Add the banana mixture. 

Cook the bananas until light golden brown, about 4-5 minutes.  Be careful not to burn the bananas (if you smell them browning or see color in the pan, flip them right away).

Gently flip the bananas over to brown.  This will take about 1 minutes.

 Add soup to a cup and add bananas.  Serve immediately.

Celebrate Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month with wine from Alejos Cellars

If you haven’t already heard, May is Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month.  It’s a time to reflect on the contributions of those who have helped shape the past and for those who will shape the future.   This year’s theme: ‘Lighting the Past, Present, and Future’. 

PAST: Historically, the month of May was when the transcontinental railroad, laid mainly by Chinese immigrants, was completed back in 1869.  My own great-great-grandfather on my Chinese grandmother’s side was a part of this era.  My family has a long history in California and in San Francisco, in particular.  I’m especially proud of my grandfather’s contibutions.  He didn’t change history for Asians on a grand scale but he sure did change history for our family.  So let’s all raise our glasses in honor of the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who continue to form this great country of ours.alejo cellars top

PRESENT AND FUTURE: Speaking of raised glasses, I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce you to a fellow female entrepreneur.  Tondi Bolkan is a winemaker and has been making wines for prominent Napa and Sonoma wineries for 10 years.  She as ventured out and created her own brand, Alejos Cellars and has released two wines: the 2006 Pinay Muscato and a 2005 Tondi Bolkan Merlot.

She brought her wines to my chocolate party I threw just a few weeks ago, where it was well recieved by all.  It was a small chocolate venue and I limited the attendees to women only.  What a pleasant surprise for everyone to meet a female winemaker!alejos-3 wines

She named her muscato, Pinay, a term used for Filipina, in honor of the people of the Philippines.  The 2006 Pinay Muscato grapes were whole cluster pressed and fermented under cool temperatures in stainless steel tanks for lifted aromatics, then arrested at 6% residual sugar. The grapes are from central California where Muscat is allowed to thrive. This vintage had a long, yet cool growing season, so the grapes were allowed to ripen and keep its acidity. 

tondi

The Merlot was created from grapes from the Oak Knoll district on Napa.  2005 was considered a cool vintage, yet lengthy with record crop levels. The longer hang time allowed for flavors and sugars to develop in unison. After fermenting to dryness, the wine aged 26 months in a mix of American and French oak. Aromas lift of cherry blueberry with an underlying hint of sage. Soft and coated, the palate holds with ripe plums and dark cherries.

If you’re living in the Bay Area, come an meet Tondi at the Wine Tasting Event with Asian Communtiy Groups on June 19th at the War Memorial Veteran’s Building.  There will be 15 or so wineries sampling over 50 wines alongside Asian community groups to explore.  Learn more about this event here.

Currently, Alejos Cellars can only be sold in the state of California but will eventually become available on the internet.  Contact through email at tondi@alejos-cellars.com and bookmark her website when it becomes live at www.alejos-cellars.com

 

 

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