Tagged with 'callebaut'

Come see us at the Philadelphia National Candy, Gift & Gourmet Show

Calling all candy enthusiasts, chocolate lovers, & confectionery professionals! Get ready for an event that will satisfy your sweet tooth & ignite your passion for all things delicious. The Philadelphia National Candy, Gift & Gourmet Show is just around the corner, offering an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of candy-making, gourmet specialties & snacks, & of course networking with industry leaders. This is an absolute must for anyone with a passion for sweet treats & a desire to stay ahead in the candy industry, PLUS it’s your chance to meet US in person! 

 

Discover the Show:
The Philadelphia National Candy, Gift & Gourmet Show is a premier event that brings together candy shop owners, confectioners, chocolatiers, & industry professionals from all over the country. Explore the latest offerings in every c&y category, from delectable chocolates to gourmet specialties & everything in between. 

WHO: YOU’RE INVITED! 

WHAT: Philadelphia Candy, Gift & Gourmet Show

WHERE: Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City, NJ. 

WHEN: September 10-12, 2023

Click HERE to register.

 

Networking Opportunities:
One of the standout features of the Philadelphia National Candy, Gift & Gourmet Show is the invaluable networking opportunities it offers. As an attendee, you'll have the chance to connect with like-minded professionals, forge new relationships, & exchange ideas with some of the most accomplished figures in the candy industry. Whether you're seeking advice on business strategies, sourcing new suppliers, or simply want to share your own expertise, this event creates the perfect atmosphere for collaboration & growth.


Seminars & Workshops:
To further enrich your candy-making knowledge & skills, this show offers an impressive lineup of seminars & workshops led by top confectionery professionals. These sessions cover a wide range of topics, including the latest techniques, market insights, packaging innovations, & emerging trends. By attending these educational sessions, you'll gain invaluable insights that can help you elevate your candy business to new heights.


Meet the Stover Team:
Stover & Company will have a booth at this year’s Philadelphia National Candy, Gift & Gourmet Show for the very first time! This is your chance to meet us in person, chat about your favorite products, & lock in special show pricing at booth #517.


As a renowned company in the bakery supply industry & rapidly growing in the confectionery industry, we pride ourselves on providing a vast selection of high-quality products & ingredients. We will be showcasing our exclusive line of domestic & imported compound coatings & couverture chocolate: Sweet Shoppe & Eleven o’one. Prepare to be tantalized by the exceptional taste & quality of our offerings.

To make your visit even sweeter, we will be offering FREE SAMPLES of our exclusive brands at booth #517. Indulge in a diverse range of flavors, textures, & innovations that will delight your taste buds & leave you craving for more. It's a fantastic opportunity to experience firsthand the superior quality & delectable flavors that our products have to offer.

 

We can’t wait to see you there!

Belgian vs. American Chocolate What’s your preference?

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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Celebrate World Chocolate Day with Stover & Company!

Welcome to Stover & Company, your ultimate destination for all things chocolate

Today, we celebrate World Chocolate Day (July 7th) & invite you to indulge in the rich history, enticing trends, & irresistible offerings that make chocolate one of the world's most beloved treats.

Chocolate History:
The history of chocolate dates back over 3,000 years, to the ancient civilizations of the Mayans & Aztecs who first cultivated the cacao tree. Adored for both its mythical & spiritual qualities, chocolate was often reserved for royalty & used in religious ceremonies. Spanish conquistadors introduced chocolate to Europe, where it quickly gained popularity & evolved over time into the indulgent delight we know & love today.

Chocolate Trends:
Recently, chocolate has experienced an exciting evolution with innovative trends captivating the taste buds of chocolate lovers worldwide! In recent years, chocolatiers have wholeheartedly embraced the bean-to-bar movement, elevating it to new heights of mastery. With meticulous attention to detail, they have honed their skills in sourcing the finest cocoa beans & carefully overseeing every step of the chocolate making process. This dedication has resulted in an unparalleled level of control, allowing chocolatiers to create distinct flavor profiles that showcase the true essence of the beans & captivate chocolate connoisseurs worldwide. 

Stover & Company's Chocolate Collection:
At Stover & Company, we pride ourselves on offering an extensive selection of chocolates to cater to every chocolate lover's desires. From renowned national brands like Callebaut, Clasen, Guittard, Blommer & Cargill to our carefully curated exclusive lines - Sweet Shoppe & Eleven o 'one - we have something to satisfy every craving.

Whether you're a professional chocolatier or a passionate home baker, we have you covered. Our range includes blocks of luxurious couverture chocolate, ideal for creating decadent truffles & exquisite desserts. For those seeking convenience without compromising taste, our assortment of chocolate chips & compound coating wafers ensures you have the perfect ingredients for baking cookies, brownies, & more.

At Stover & Company, you can rely on the fact that the chocolate we carry represents exceptional quality and flavor. This enables you to elevate your culinary creations and experience the pure delight of chocolate.

To make World Chocolate Day even sweeter, Stover & Company is hosting a giveaway on social media! Head over to our Facebook & Instagram pages for a chance to win* a case of your choice from our Eleven o’one Chocolate Line!

*Full contest details can be found on the contest post. 

 

Happy World Chocolate Day!

 

 

How to temper chocolate

Ready to dive into the couverture chocolate world, but overwhelmed by the idea of tempering? We’re here to help! 

Similar to baking, when tempering you must follow precise steps in order to achieve optimal results. We cannot emphasize this enough. There is no room for error when it comes to tempering chocolate.

We’ve put together a set of simple instructions to help you learn to temper the easy way!

 

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The Beauty of Van Leer Chocolate

van leer chocolate

Chocolate is a universally loved ingredient. As a child, chocolate was in your life more than you could remember. Your friends and family’s birthday parties were most likely centered around the highly anticipated time to cut the cake, which most likely had some variation of chocolate in or on it.

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A Comprehensive Look at Callebaut Chocolate

callebaut chocolate

When it comes to baking on a professional level or for your own pleasure, there are a few products and ingredients that end up becoming a favorite. Whether this is due to the final taste that it gives your baked goods or its ability to work easily with, there’s always something out there that can improve your baking experience. For some, this ingredient for them is good quality chocolate.

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