By Chef Valerie Wilson
Indulge your senses in the tantalizing journey of chocolate, a treat revered not only for its reputed healing properties but also for the fascinating process that transforms humble cacao beans into the decadent delight we all adore.
Picture this: in lush cacao plantations, the harvesting of cacao beans is an artistry performed by skilled hands. Pods, the treasure troves of potential sweetness, are delicately cracked open to unveil the coveted cacao beans nestled within a moist, fibrous, white pulp. With precision, these beans and pulp are scooped out, forming a mound that will soon undergo a magical transformation.
Enter the enchanting realm of fermentation, a process that unfolds over eight days, where the pile of beans and pulp metamorphoses, emitting an aromatic symphony. Gentle mixing introduces oxygen, birthing lactic acid, infusing the beans with complexity. It’s a dance of flavors in the making.
Emerging from this alchemical dance, the cocoa beans, brimming with moisture, bask in the sun’s embrace. This marks the prelude to roasting, a pivotal step that elevates the beans into cocoa nibs, unleashing a burst of aroma and depth. The grinding that follows is a rhythmic ode, the final crescendo that shapes these nibs into the chocolatey ecstasy we know.
Here’s a surprising twist: while some might tout “raw” cocoa, in reality, all cocoa undergoes the fiery embrace of roasting before it graces our taste buds. It’s a revelation that adds an unexpected layer to the chocolate narrative.
Now, let’s talk about the symphony of sweetness. Most chocolates, in their final act, embrace refined sugar. But fear not, dear reader, for you hold the power to craft a healthier version. Consider opting for unsweetened cocoa and play the maestro by adding your preferred sweetener. Alternatively, seek out products where cocoa takes the lead, proudly claiming its spot as the primary ingredient, promising a richer chocolate experience with less added sweetness.
So, as you savor that next piece of chocolate, let your taste buds dance through the harmonious journey from cacao pod to delectable treat. It’s not just chocolate; it’s a celebration of craftsmanship and flavor, a story that unfolds in every velvety, melt-in-your-mouth moment
Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Sweet Nougat Hearts
Peanut Butter Filling:
1 cup brown rice crispy cereal
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup raisins
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup brown rice syrup
heart-shaped mold or cookie-cutter
Chocolate Coating:
Enjoy Life, Dark Morsels chocolate chips
- Put in a food processor the brown rice cereal and rolled oats. Puree until they are chopped up small.
- Add the raisins and puree until the raisins are chopped up into smaller pieces.
- Add the peanut butter, brown rice syrup, and puree until the mixture comes together. It will get thick.
- Roll the peanut butter filling into balls, or use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to press dough into it to create heart shapes. Place in the freezer until completely frozen. 5. In a sauté pan, melt the chocolate chips on very low heat, or use a double boiler.
