Not many people know that chocolate comes from the cocoa bean or some say cacao. The pod has a leathery rind, inside is a soft white pulp with about 30 to 50 seeds. The rind is removed, the pulp and seeds are left for a few days on racks to sweat and ferment. That is where the pulp falls from the beans. It is very important for the beans as this is where they get the bitter taste. The fermentation takes anywhere from 4 to 7 days. The beans are then placed and raked out on big trays and put in the sun to dry.It takes about 880 beans to make 1kg of chocolate.
A trip to the Margaret River Chocolate factory in the Swan Valley is a must!
Willy Wonka would be proud!
A drive through the Swan Valley is relaxing and when you arrive at the chocolate factory you are greeted by the smell of temptation! As you enter, you go through a shop where you can buy beautifully crafted chocolates and souvenirs. There are samples of the chocolate for you to try....so creamy and delicious! In another section, you look through a big window and see the chocolate being made.
There is a cafe where you enjoy a light meal or a heavenly treat!
I think the best way to finish is with a chocolate recipe....Brownies anyone?
Chocolate Brownies
Ingredients
375gms of softened butter
375gms of dark chocolate, chopped
6 large eggs
1 tablespoon of vanilla
500gms caster sugar
225gms plain flour
300gms chopped walnuts
Method
Preheat oven to 180c.
Melt butter and chocolate in a double saucepan, when melted allow to cool.
In a bowl, beat eggs, sugar and vanilla, then stir in the chocolate mixture. Lastly, add flour and nuts.
Put into a lined square baking tin and cook for 25 minutes.
They are very moist in the middle, that is what makes them yummy!
Allow to cool, cut into squares and dust with cocoa or icing sugar. Some people serve them hot with fresh cream, ice cream or chocolate sauce!
No comments:
Post a Comment