Tagged with 'belgian chocolate'

Recently, there’s been a significant rise in the number of people adopting vegan diets, whether for health, ethical, or environmental reasons. As a result, the demand for vegan-friendly ingredients has skyrocketed. 

One ingredient that has captured the attention of vegan food enthusiasts around the world is dairy-free chocolate. With its rich & satisfying flavor, dairy-free chocolate has become a staple in vegan recipes, offering a delectable & cruelty-free alternative to traditional chocolate.

Vegan friendly chocolate is made without the use of any animal-derived ingredients, such as milk or butter, making it suitable for those following a dairy free or vegan diet. While some pure dark chocolates can be vegan on their own, some vegan chocolate is crafted using plant-based substitutes like almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk. In the case of our very own  Eleven o’one Seventy Dark Couverture Chocolate, no ingredient is substituted as it's simply made from rich Belgian cocoa, sugar & cocoa butter (don’t worry, it's not really butter) is enough to ensure a delectable & creamy texture.

Today we’re going to teach you how to make a dairy-free chocolate mousse using a simple recipe. 

Dairy-Free Chocolate Mousse

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Eleven o’one Sixty Dark Couverture Chocolate
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut cream, refrigerated
• Pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup maple syrup or agave nectar (optional)
• Fresh berries or mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a cold, metal mixing bowl, whip the cold coconut cream with a whisk until you form stiff peaks. It should look like a stiff whipped cream.
2. Place the Eleven o’one Sixty Dark Couverture Chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl & melt it in the microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth & fully melted. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler for melting the chocolate. Just be sure not to overheat the chocolate (110˚F max).
3. Gently fold the melted chocolate with a rubber spatula into the whipped coconut cream until fully combined into a mousse consistency.
4. Pour the mousse mixture into individual serving glasses or bowls. Cover them with plastic wrap & refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
5. Once the mousse has set, remove it from the refrigerator. If desired, garnish each serving with fresh berries or mint leaves.
6. Serve chilled  & enjoy your vegan dark chocolate mousse!

Pro Tips: 

1. Refrigerate your metal bowl & mixer attachments overnight. Starting with a  cold bowl will help whip your coconut cream best!
2. Experiment with additional flavors by adding a teaspoon of instant coffee or a dash of cinnamon to the mousse mixture before blending.

Dairy-free chocolate is a game-changer when it comes to vegan desserts. It can be melted & used as a luscious topping for cakes, cupcakes, & brownies, creating a velvety smooth finish that rivals traditional chocolate. We hope you enjoy this decadent & vegan-friendly dark chocolate dessert!

At Stover & Company we are regularly sourcing new products to add to our robust selection on our website. We recommend that you check back soon to see if we have added any more dairy free ingredients to the line up! 

When it comes to indulging in the world of chocolate, two nations have created a delicious reputation for themselves: Belgium & the United States. Many nations offer their own distinct style, craftsmanship & flavors that have captivated chocolate enthusiasts worldwide for centuries. 

Let’s explore the unique characteristics of these chocolate lineages! Together we’ll dive into their histories, production methods & taste profiles. So grab a bar of your favorite chocolate & join us on this mouthwatering journey.

Belgian Chocolate: A Legacy of Excellence
Belgium is renowned for its centuries-old tradition of chocolate making. The country's love affair with chocolate dates back to the 17th century when cocoa beans first arrived from the New World. Belgian chocolate is known for its exquisite craftsmanship & uncompromised quality. Belgian chocolatiers are dedicated to using high-quality ingredients, including premium cocoa beans, pure cocoa butter, & fresh dairy, to ensure a smooth & velvety texture. Belgian chocolate is often characterized by its rich, complex flavors & a balanced sweetness that tantalizes the taste buds.

American Chocolate: Innovation & Variety
The United States may not have the same historic chocolate legacy as Belgium, but it has embraced chocolate with its own unique flair. American chocolate manufacturers are known for their innovative spirit, pushing boundaries & creating a wide range of flavor combinations. From classic milk chocolate bars to adventurous blends with caramel, nuts, fruits or even spices, American chocolate offers a wide variety that caters to every palate. The emphasis on experimentation & diversity has made American chocolate a playground for those seeking new taste experiences.

The Production Process: From Bean to Bar
Both Belgian & American chocolate makers pay great attention to the production process, ensuring the highest standards of quality & taste.

Belgian chocolate makers follow traditional techniques, often involving small-batch production & meticulous craftsmanship. They roast & grind cocoa beans to develop their distinct flavor profiles, using a process called conching to refine the texture & create a smooth mouthfeel. The result is chocolate that feels like a work of art in every bite.

In contrast, many American chocolate manufacturers have adopted modern industrial methods to meet the demand for larger quantities. They use large-scale roasters & highly automated machinery to process cocoa beans, achieving consistency & efficiency. While this approach may differ from the traditional Belgian methods, it allows for the production of chocolate on a mass scale without compromising on taste.

Flavor Profiles: A Matter of Taste

Belgian & American chocolates offer distinct flavor experiences that appeal to different preferences.

Belgian chocolate boasts a robust, well-rounded taste. Its higher cocoa content contributes to a more pronounced chocolate flavor. Whether you're savoring a classic dark chocolate or indulging in a creamy milk chocolate praline, Belgian chocolate tends to have a more complex flavor profile that lingers on the palate.

American chocolate, on the other hand, is often sweeter & creamier. It often features a higher sugar content & a slightly milder chocolate taste. The emphasis on confectionery elements, such as caramel, peanut butter, or nougat, gives American chocolate a playful & indulgent character.

The Verdict: A Matter of Personal Preference
In the battle of Belgian vs. American chocolate, there is no clear winner. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal taste & individual preferences. 

Belgian chocolate offers a refined & sophisticated experience, while American chocolate embraces creativity & variety. Some may prefer the smooth elegance of Belgian chocolate, while others may gravitate toward the delightful surprises & familiar comforts of American chocolate.

Whether you find yourself in a charming Belgian chocolate shop or perusing the candy aisle of an American grocery store, the world of chocolate offers a realm of pleasure waiting to be explored. 

At Stover & Company we offer both! Choose from our Belgian selection which includes Callebaut & our own exclusive Eleven o’one Couverture Chocolate. We also carry domestic lines such as Merckens, Peter’s & our very own Sweet Shoppe. 

Don’t know which product is best for your specific needs? Reach out to our customer service team at chocolate@stovercompany.com & ask for a product specialist to help you today! 

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S'mores Cheesecake is the perfect dessert to bring to any summer gathering! With its creamy & indulgent cheesecake filling, gooey melted couverture chocolate, & crunchy graham cracker crust, this dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser from picnics to graduation parties. 

To make this decadent dessert, you’ll start by making a classic graham cracker crust. All you need for this is graham cracker crumbs, sugar & butter! Graham cracker crust is the perfect base for the cheesecake as there’s no pre-baking required PLUS it adds a crunchy texture that complements the creamy filling. 

The next step is to prepare the cheesecake filling by combining cream cheese, sugar, eggs, marshmallow flavoring & sour cream until you reach a smooth & creamy consistency. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the graham cracker crust & bake until it’s just set.

Once the cheesecake is baked, it’s time to add the star ingredient - melted Eleven o’one Fifty Five Semi-Sweet Couverture Chocolate!! Drizzle the smooth, rich chocolate over the top of your cheesecake, to create a beautiful & delicious pattern. 

PRO TIP: Sprinkle some graham cracker crumbs & mini marshmallows on top of the chocolate before it sets, to give your cheesecake that classic s'mores flavor & texture.

What you need:

• 8 inch springform pan
• Mixing bowl 
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups
• Stand mixer
• Spatula
• Baking or roasting pan
• Aluminum foil

Graham Cracker Crust:

• 12 graham crackers, pulsed in a food processor to make crumbs
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons of melted butter

1. In a bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar & melted butter until well combined. When ready, it should look like coarse, wet sand. Use your hands or a large spoon to break up any big lumps in the mix. 
2. Pour the graham cracker mixture into an 8-in springform pan. With your hands or the flat side of a cup, gently press the crumbs into the bottom & sides of the pan. 
   PRO TIP: Don’t press too hard as this will yield a harder crust. 
3. Bake the crust for 10-15 minutes at 350°F then remove from the oven & set aside to properly cool. 

Marshmallow Cheesecake Filling:

• 2 ½ lbs of cream cheese at room temperature (5 8oz blocks)
• 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• 4 eggs at room temperature
• 1 cup of sour cream at room temperature
• 2 teaspoon marshmallow flavoring (omit for a classic cheesecake)

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
2. Boil a kettle or pot of water.
3. Using an electric or stand mixer, whip the cream cheese until it becomes smooth & fluffy. 
4. Slowly add your sugar & salt while whipping.
5. Beat in eggs one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
6. Add the sour cream & marshmallow flavoring & whip them together until well combined. 
7. Wrap the bottom of your 8 inch springform pan in foil. Make sure it's wrapped tightly around the bottom & sides. 
8. Pour in the cheesecake filling & gently tap the pan on the counter so any trapped air bubbles can rise to the top. 
9. Set the cheesecake pan in the middle of your baking or roasting pan & place inside your oven.
10. Before closing the oven door, pour in the boiling water into the roasting pan until it comes halfway up the cheesecake pan. (This is why you want to wrap the foil tightly, so no water seeps into the crust). 
11. Bake for 1 ½ hours. The center should be set even if the sides are not. Remove the cheesecake pan & let cool completely. 

S’mores Topping:

• 6 ounces of Eleven o’one Fifty Five Semi-Sweet Couverture Chocolate 
• 4 ounces heavy whipping cream
• Mini Marshmallows or dehydrated mini marshmallows
• Graham Cracker Crumbs

1. To make the ganache or chocolate drip, heat the cream on the stove until steam starts to rise. Be careful not to let it boil over. 
2. Place your couverture chocolate in a heat resistant bowl & pour the hot cream overtop of it ensuring the chocolate is fully submerged. Let it stand for about 5 minutes to allow the chocolate to melt. 
3. Whisk the cream & chocolate together until smooth. 
4. Pour the ganache mixture over your cheesecake & smooth with a spoon.
5. Top off with mini marshmallows & a light sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs. 
6. Chill overnight before serving for best results. 

Total Time: 2 hours.  
Makes one 8 inch cheesecake, serves 14 people. 

This Smores Cheesecake is perfect for summer BBQs, pool parties, baby showers or any occasion that calls for a delicious & indulgent dessert! The combination of decadent chocolate with the creamy & crunchy cheesecake is simply irresistible. Your guests will be begging for the recipe! 

Summer 2022 is in full swing & the temperatures have rised significantly. We want to provide you tips so you are aware of how to handle your chocolate during the Summer & beat the heat!

We're thrilled to announce the launch of our new product for our European Coating Compounds - Eleven o'One Milk Deluxe. Our new Milk Deluxe is our newest addition for our Eleven o'One line, now available with our White & Dark Deluxe Coating Compounds. 

Our exclusive Chocolate Moonstones are like something you've never seen before but always dreamt about. Don't be fooled by their metallic appearance, these chocolate morsels are made of pure Belgian Chocolate so they melt in your mouth. These elegant chocolate moonstones are the perfect treat to elevate any and every sweet treat.  

Chocolate Ganache Truffles are the perfect quality treat to gift to someone and make for a delightful addition to any dessert table or celebration! Truffles are quality treats that are easy to make! It only requires four main ingredients; heavy cream, chocolate, vanilla extract and cocoa. 

Couverture is the name that was given to a certain class of high-quality chocolate. Couverture chocolate is known as a higher-quality baking chocolate because it contains a higher percentage of cocoa solids and cocoa butter. Many bakers like about the quality is that it’s tempered with precision. When melted with proper tempering, this quality blend gives a more shiny appearance of the chocolate. Here at Stover & Company, our Eleven o'one Belgian Couverture Chocolate comes in five different variations, from our Thirty Three White to our Seventy Dark, you are sure to find the right high quality European taste for all of your treats!