Chocolate and food blog

Everything In Its Place: Why Mise en Place Is the Unsung Hero of the Kitchen

Discover the timeless discipline of mise en place — the quiet preparation that powers every great kitchen, from Escoffier’s brigade to the chocolatier’s bench.

Flavour Map for Ganache: Seasonal Pairings by Mood & Occasion

Explore the alchemy of flavour pairings for ganache. This guide will help you discover the perfect seasonal and mood-driven ganache flavour combinations, whether you're creating indulgent truffles, bonbons, or filling recipes. Explore seasonal pairings and mood-driven inspirations to match your chocolate creatio

Ganache Mastery: The Secret Ratios Every Chocolatier Should Know

Unlock the secret to silky truffles and glossy sauces with our essential guide to ganache ratios, textures, and flavour infusions.

Honey Chocolate Syrup – A Naturally Sweet Yorkshire Twist on a Classic

Bee & Bean Collection – Artisan chocolate & honey gifts handcrafted in Yorkshire

Natural Colour in Chocolate: Can Spirulina and Friends Play Nice with Cocoa Butter?

Discover how to colour chocolate naturally using spirulina, turmeric, and other clean-label ingredients – without compromising texture or temper.

Copper Pans in the Chocolate Kitchen: Benefits, Hazards & Chef’s Tips for Safe Use

A chocolatier’s guide to copper pans — why chefs love them, how to use them safely, and what every kitchen needs to know before sugar work goes sideways.

"Painting with Chocolate: How to Create Beautiful Edible Art with Cocoa Butter"

"Chocolate painting, especially using coloured cocoa butter, opens a whole new world of edible art. Unlike traditional decorations, cocoa butter painting lets you create detailed, colourful designs directly onto chocolate surfaces, transforming simple chocolates into beautiful artistic expressions."

Commonwealth Day – Innovation, Trade & Cocoa Beyond Chocolate

Happy Commonwealth Day! 

Today, we celebrate the strength and unity of our diverse Commonwealth family, connecting 56 nations and more than 2.5 billion people around shared values of democracy, peace, and sustainability.

Let's embrace the vibrant diversity and rich cultural heritage that binds us together, learning from each other and working hand-in-hand towards a brighter, inclusive future for everyone.

Whether through collaboration, friendship, or shared goals, let's keep inspiring positive change around the globe.

Cocoa Agroforestry: Sustainable Chocolate and Local Empowerment in São Tomé and Príncipe

Cocoa agroforestry is transforming the chocolate industry by promoting sustainable production, local economic empowerment, and ethical farming practices. On the island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe—once known as the Chocolate Islands for being the world’s largest cocoa producer in the early 1900s—a cocoa revival is underway, reconnecting rainforest conservation with high-quality chocolate making. 

Do Chocolate and Cheese Go Together? The Ultimate Indulgence

"Discover the surprising harmony of chocolate and cheese pairings! Explore the science, history, and expert tips to create the ultimate tasting experience."

"The Ultimate Guide to Food Colouring in Chocolate: UK Regulations & Best Practices"

"Discover the best practices for using food colouring in chocolate, including UK regulations, synthetic vs. natural colours, and compliance tips for chocolatiers."

Espionage in the World of Chocolate: Secrets, Sabotage, and Sweet Deception

"Explore the secret world of chocolate — from smuggling and sabotage to recipe theft and hidden scandals. Unwrap the truth behind your favourite indulgence."

The Origins of Mother’s Day – and a Sweet Mayan-Inspired Celebration

"Explore the rich history of Mother’s Day, its ancient connections to chocolate, and celebrate with a Mayan-inspired virtual chocolate truffle workshop."

Rainforest Cooking & Chocolate Safaris: The Ultimate Culinary Adventure for Foodies & Eco-Tourists

Rainforest Cooking & Chocolate Safari® – An immersive culinary adventure where foodies and eco-tourists explore cocoa plantations, cook over an open fire using traditional smoking techniques, and experience bean-to-bar chocolate making in the heart of the rainforest.

The True Cost of a Craft Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Bar: Fine Flavour Cocoa from Togo to the UK (£8 Retail Price)

One-Day Chocolate Safari in Amsterdam

One-Day Chocolate Safari in Amsterdam: Monday, Chocolate Week 2025

"How Much Chocolate Can You Make from Cocoa Beans? A Step-by-Step Guide for Craft Chocolate Makers"

"Learn how much chocolate you can make from cocoa beans, with a step-by-step guide for craft chocolate makers."

The High Cost of Cocoa Butter and the Rise of Cocoa Butter Equivalent: What Does It Mean for Cocoa Farmers?

"Explore the rising costs of cocoa butter, the shift to Cocoa Butter Equivalent (CBE), and the effects on cocoa farmers and the chocolate industry."

Exploring the Art of Chocolate & Whiskey Pairing: A Sensory Experience You Won't Forget

Savour the ultimate indulgence: a curated pairing of premium whiskey and artisanal chocolate. Immerse yourself in a sensory journey that blends rich flavours, expert pairings, and unforgettable moments. Perfect for whiskey aficionados, chocolate enthusiasts, or anyone craving a luxurious experience.

"Hawaiian Flavour Inspiration for Chocolate Innovation: A Consultant's Guide to Regional Ingredients"

Explore the fusion of exotic Hawaiian ingredients with the art of chocolate making. A tropical journey awaits

How to Draw Inspiration from Social Media While Keeping Your Chocolate Content Authentic and Engaging

"Navigate through our unique blend of culinary art and social engagement. From bean-to-bar journeys to chocolate-infused social media insights, discover how Coeur de Xocolat merges tradition with innovation."

DIY Deodorising Cocoa Butter at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to deodorise cocoa butter at home with our straight forward guide, perfect for both culinary and cosmetic applications.

Unforgettable Togo: A Culinary Journey with Cocoa Pod Innovations and an Honour for Services to Togolese Cuisine

Explore the transformative journey in Togo—from cocoa pod innovations to culinary accolades

The Molinillo: A Whisk with a Story and a Legacy

"Explore the rich history and craft of the molinillo—a traditional whisk that transforms hot chocolate into a frothy, flavourful experience rooted in Mexican and Colombian culture."

Three Last-Minute Microwave Dessert Ideas to Wow Your Dinner Party Guests

“Explore our collection of quick, easy, and indulgent chocolate dessert recipes. Perfect for last-minute cravings or dinner parties, these microwave-friendly treats deliver rich flavors with minimal effort.”

What Has Pasteur Got to Do with Cocoa?

"Navigate through our sections to explore the rich history, intricate science, and artful craftsmanship behind the world's finest chocolate. Discover interactive guides, in-depth articles, and exclusive content that unveils the secrets of cocoa fermentation and chocolate making, inspired by pioneers like Louis Pasteur."

This description provides a clear invitation for users to explore various educational and engaging content related to chocolate, emphasizing both historical and scientific perspectives.

The Sweet History of Fudge: From Accidental Creation to Global Favourite

"The Sweet History of Fudge: From Accidental Invention to Global Treat"
Explore how fudge was accidentally created, became a worldwide favourite, and discover the role of Cornish Cream Fudge. Includes a quick and easy microwave fudge recipe to try at home!

Business Traveller’s Guide to Togo: What You Need to Know Before You Go!

"Navigate your business journey in Togo with our comprehensive guide. Discover key insights into Togo's business landscape, essential travel tips, and cultural etiquette to ensure a successful and enriching experience in this dynamic West African nation."

South Yorkshire’s Sweet Legacy

Celebrate South Yorkshire’s rich confectionery heritage at the Yorkshire Chocolate Festival! Dive into a world of indulgence with artisan chocolatiers, interactive workshops, and delicious treats, all inspired by local icons like Thorntons and author Joanne Harris. Join us for a day of chocolate, community, and fun! 

What is Cocoa Certification?

Explore the importance of cocoa certification in promoting ethical and sustainable cocoa production. Learn how certifications like Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, and UTZ impact cocoa farming practices, protect the environment, and improve livelihoods for farmers, helping create a more responsible chocolate industry.