Chocolates and Confections: Formula, Theory, and Technique for the Artisan Confectioner 2nd Edition

I recently took several chocolate making classes from Chef Marco Ropke, head pastry chef at the Beijing Ritz Carlton during the 2008 Olympics, and in class, he basically suggested that if we were to buy any one chocolate book, THIS book was it.Why? It's a comprehensive 4 in 1 book:1) The science behind chocolate, sugarwork and the various components. Why might you want to include glucose in your chocolate and not just any sugar syrup? What is the difference between using agar-agar, gelatin, pectin and cornstarch in making gummies and jellies? This type of information helped me better understand why some of the steps to chocolate making mattered, and also gave me more comfort in knowing where I could deviate from recipes (e.g. I can add whatever liquid flavourings I want so long as I add them at the right time and keep my fats to liquid ratio consistent).2) Techniques - how do you temper chocolate? how do you make aero-bar style chocolates? what's the proper way to handle ganaches or molded chocolates? how do you make a praline or marzipan? what's the secret to those meltaway type chocolates? what about the honeycomb material inside crunchie bars?3) Troubleshooting - invariably a chocolate recipe will go wrong. how do you save a ganache that's been separated? why did your pates de fruit sweat and what can you do about it?4) LOADS of really delicious recipes from chai tigers to a thai lemongrass truffle or toucan passionfruit chocolate to marshmallows, nougats, chocolate bars, candy crisps, caramels, fudges and more. I made several recipes (scaled down since the recipes are for ~180 truffles each!) from the book and they have all been hits. I have ordered more chocolate and I can't wait to try more.The book also included suggested equipment and a brief explanation of some of the tools and why they were important.The one thing missing from the book that I wish they spent time on was decorating in general -- the different techniques for finishing chocolates such as adding chocolate swirls, etc. To be fair each recipe has a description for how to finish the chocolate such as adding bits of salt or adding candied fruit bits and they did show you how to make spiked chocolates, but I wanted to know more about selecting colours and other types of chocolate flourishes.In all it's a pricey, but valuable book that I anticipate I will be referencing a lot as I continue to learn and make chocolates.

I love making chocolates. I was first introduced to shelled chocolates in baking and pastry school. We didn’t spend a lot of time on them. I fell in love. I have been doing some research on my own to finally but my dreams into action . Of course before getting started I wanted to know about everything. The different types of sugars, water content , shelf life, temperatures and so much more. After reading some of the reviews I decided this was it. I am so happy with the purchase. It was delivered exactly when stated. In pristine condition. Upon opening the book , I was flabbergasted at the amount of information. I have not started to read it , I only received it yesterday. I am so excited to get started. If you’re on the fence about spending the $50 don’t be. It’s so worth it. It is going to save me a lot of time because it’s comprehensive and easy to read, learn and understand. Love , love , love the book. My best investment to date.

This book is not for just enjoyment but also scientific and detailed. You can learn a lot of professional techniques from this book.

This is a culinary textbook with background and how-to, written for intermediate to advanced skill level and professionals. Beautiful production value with photographs, illustrations, solid binding and heavy paper. Probably weighs >5#.Introduction section includes handy lists specify basic and advanced tools and equipment targeted to daily/hourly production volume; recommended shop layout, and process flow diagrams. Love the background and science on ingredients, their function/role in confection, and source information. If you’re really into the textbook approach, it’s a great book by an experienced professional who teaches other professionals how to do this (for a living!). A challenge for some may be needing an assistant (teacher) to assist in the practice of some recipes and techniques. Mise!...gotta keep mise en place!Oh, the marshmallows, oh my. And the relatively easy meltaways (mint, peanut butter). Mmm!I’m an advanced hobbyist, love cooking and reading cookbooks, and this is almost too much for me. (Almost.) This is way (way, way!) more than a hobbyist or dabbler needs. If you don’t have much experience in confection-making, I highly recommend Liddabit Sweets Candy Cookbook - Gutman/King) But if you like to learn and appreciate pushing yourself and your skills, this is fantastic!

This is the book to end all chocolate books! The only downside (very minor in my option) is that it is written for a professional kitchen, so the recipes are large but easily scaled. The information in this book has helped me immensely.

Only four stars as several of the recipes are geared for pros only and do not make it clear, more importantly no appreciable mention/analysis of the need to adjust candy recipes for elevation--how could this be overlooked?--crucial for candy makers! Other than that, the book is virtually a text-book worthy edition for those who love to make sweets. I've learned a huge amount from Mr. Greweling's research and thank him for it. The photography and styling are beautiful as is the finish and overall quality of the book. I'd recommend this text only for those who are experienced AND serious about making candy.

Best book you can buy for chocolate