Día de los Muertos
Día de los Muertos isn't simply Mexican Halloween. It's a colourful celebration of departed loved ones, with traditions stretching back centuries. And chocolate has a surprisingly important part to play, from ancient offerings and drinking chocolate to decorated skulls. There's even a rather gruesome chocolate mystery!
(Cover Photo by Brian Wegman 🎃 on Unsplash)
The Case Against Mercury
Lost parcels, travel chaos, crossed wires and a computer scare. Just coincidence — or has Mercury been making a general nuisance of itself again?
When Small Batch Really Is Small
What does “small batch” really mean? In my case, it can mean one tray of 24 chocolates, a small bowl of ganache and plenty of flexibility when recipes, orders or ingredients change.
So You Think You’re A Chocoholic?
Are chocoholics really addicted to chocolate? A light-hearted look at cravings, cocoa content, milk versus dark chocolate and what might really be going on when we can’t resist another piece.
When Ingredients Disappear
What happens when one of the ingredients you rely on simply disappears? From discontinued liqueurs to vanishing flowers and elusive sprinkles, finding a replacement isn’t always as simple as it sounds. And this time, I need your help…
We’re Having A Heatwave
Chocolate melting is the obvious problem in a heatwave — but it’s far from the only one. Boiled sugar, packaging, postage and even keeping the kitchen cool all bring their own challenges.
The Dreaded C Word:
Yes, I know… it seems ridiculously early! But Christmas chocolate planning starts much sooner than most people realise, and I’ve been busy thinking about this year’s festive creations.
Have We Reached Peak Pistachio?
Pistachio: what happens when a flavour goes viral?
Pistachio has been everywhere lately, but are we all a little pistachio-ed out?
It’s a Wonderful (Chocolatier’s) Life
From November onwards I’m in the kitchen by 4.30 am - 5.00 am if I’m having a lie in. The house is dark and not remotely supportive. The air is cold. I turn on an audio book or a postcast. The cat opens one eye, gives me a look of profound disdain. I am crushed. Satisfied, she closes the eye and goes straight back to sleep.
Hot Flushes & Hot Chocolate
Can chocolate really help during menopause? From mood and heart health to brain fog, bones and sleep, I take a look at what the research actually says — and why dark chocolate may still deserve a place in your cupboard.
Halloween Happenings
Think Halloween is just an American invention? From Samhain and soul cakes to guising, pumpkins and trick or treating, discover how centuries of folklore and tradition helped create the Halloween we know today.
Wedding Favours
Wedding favours your guests will actually want to take home. From truffles and chocolate shot glasses to skulls, hearts and more unusual treats, there are plenty of ways to make them personal.
Secrets Of The Cocoa Trade
Chocolate may be one of life’s little luxuries, but the cocoa trade has a darker side. From poverty and child labour to deforestation and climate change, here’s a look at the problems behind cocoa production — and what’s being done to improve things.
Yuk! My Chocolate’s Gone Off!
Has your chocolate developed mysterious white streaks or gone sticky? Find out what causes chocolate bloom and how to keep bars and truffles in perfect condition.
A Clean Pair of Hands
Gloves might look hygienic, but they can create a false sense of security. A look at handwashing, cross-contamination and why a clean pair of hands is often the safest tool in the kitchen.
Gin: 400 Years of Mother’s Ruin
From the Gin Craze and Hogarth’s Gin Lane to the birth of the G&T and the modern craft gin boom, discover the fascinating history of Britain’s favourite spirit.
White Chocolate - it’s not just for kids in cowboy hats!
White chocolate has had a bad press for years — too sweet, not sophisticated enough and apparently not even ‘real’ chocolate. But how much of that is actually true? A look at the myths, history and flavours behind white chocolate.