I was elated to be invited back to the Theatre of Food at this years Latitude festival  to unravel the captivating query: "Is 'expensive' chocolate truly worth the extra investment?" But before we embark on this tantalising quest, let's take a moment to explore the timeless tale of chocolate brownies—the sweet morsels that have captured hearts and palates across generations.

 

The Essence of Brownies: A Melodic Symphony of Flavour and Texture

Picture this: a square, baked chocolate dessert that can either be fudgy or cakey, depending on its density. Welcome to the enchanting realm of chocolate brownies!

These delectable creations come in various forms, infused with an array of ingredients like nuts, frosting, cream cheese, and chocolate chips, each concoction a masterpiece in its own right.

Where Did the Brownie Saga Begin?

Legend has it that a careless cook in the USA forgot to add baking powder to a chocolate cake batter, inadvertently birthing the brownie. Since then, brownie recipes have multiplied like stars in the sky, each cook adding their unique twist. In 1896, Fanny Farmer, a culinary pioneer, published a cookie recipe adapted to fit a rectangular tin—an early precursor to the brownie. Yet, this version didn't feature chocolate, paving the way for the advent of blondies.

When Chocolate Casts Its Spell: The Birth of the Brownie

The very first documented recipe for chocolate brownies graced the 1897 Sears, Roebuck Catalogue, marking the onset of a delectable revolution. Classified as a bar cookie, the brownie derives its name from the rich brown hue that adorns its surface.

The Artistry of Crafting Brownies: The Dance of Ingredients

Much like a symphony, the orchestration of a brownie's flavour and texture demands careful attention to detail. With chocolate, butter, sugar, and flour as the virtuoso ingredients, one can transform a brownie into a cakier, fudgier, or chewier delight.

The Allure of Fudginess: A Dance with Chocolate

Chocolate: The secret to a fudgy brownie lies in the cocoa butter content of chocolate. Elevating the chocolate quotient results in a lusciously fudgy outcome.Butter and Sugar: Melt, mix, and meld. Melted butter gently blends with sugar to eschew air bubbles, ensuring a dense and rich texture.
Flour: The cautious addition of flour keeps gluten at bay, safeguarding the desired fudgy consistency.

A Leap into the Cakey Realm: Where Fluffiness Reigns

Chocolate: Less is more. A measured approach to chocolate content ensures a light, cakey brownie that rises gracefully.
Butter and Sugar: Air is the key. Softened butter and a sugar-whisking technique introduce air bubbles, rendering a light and airy brownie.
Flour: Balancing fluffiness and crunch, creamed butter and sugar lay the foundation for a cakey yet tender delight.

Unveiling the Chocolate Mystique: Cheap vs. Expensive

And now, the burning question: Does the price tag on chocolate truly reflect its worth?

At the heart of this debate lies the sourcing, production, and flavour of chocolate.

Cheap Chocolates: Often mass-produced and blended from various beans, these chocolates may contain fewer cocoa solids, more additives, and even modified vegetable fats. Their flavour profile might lack depth, being overly sweet or waxy.

Expensive Chocolates: A different world altogether. Reputable brands adopt a bean-to-bar approach, crafting chocolates from specific cocoa beans. Single-origin chocolates, derived from distinct regions, offer diverse flavour profiles. Brands like Marou, Pump Street, Duffy Redstar, and Bullion embrace transparency, sustainability, and quality through close collaboration with farmers.

In the End, It's All About the Experience

As we delve into the realm of "expensive" chocolate, let us remember that the worth of a chocolate experience goes beyond its price. It encompasses the passion of chocolatiers, the uniqueness of origin, and the sheer joy of savouring a creation that tells a story. So, fellow food explorers, let's embark on a journey through flavours, textures, and origins, where chocolate's true worth lies in the tales it whispers to our taste buds and hearts.