Advanced Chocolate Class at NWCAV

To end 2006 with a bang, Chef Marco kindly put an advanced chocolate class together for a few of us that are completely addicted. In the first two days, we made 8 different chocolates and then spent two more on building chocolate showpieces. We learned new techniques such as folding caramel and nougat together to form a center for a chocolate that resembles puff pastry. This was so delicious that it didn't even need to be dipped in chocolate. Putting it together was a little tricky (and messy) as you had to work quickly with semi-hot caramel, folding the layers, and then cutting it into pieces before the mass cools and turns hard.


We made two chocolate showpieces. Chocolate showpieces are made completely out of chocolate and are entirely edible. We first made an underwater world which consisted of a sea-bed, coral/sea-life, and fish. The second was a chocolate chef who turned out to be absolutely adorable. The showpieces are so much work which is why we probably don't see them that often. If you ever get the chance to see one up close, really appreciate how much time and skill goes into it. For us die-hard chocolate fans, it would have been nice to spend more time on each piece, perfecting them, but Chef Marco would have been trapped at the school until next year...literally!


Not saying that you will learn all of these techniques in these classes, but if you are interested in beginning to learn more about the basics of the pastry world and chocolate, without committing to a full-time program, try out Chef Marco's Serious Foodie Pastry Classes. They will not disappoint!

As for me, I will not be making a New Year's resolution to eat less chocolate. I believe quality chocolate is healthy and has a wonderful healing affect. In the New Year, I plan to have my own little chocolate factory in my own kitchen. I will keep on experimenting with different flavors and techniques and be sure to share what I learn as I go!

Click here to see more of our work during the course.

Tagged as: [ chocolate nougatine nwcav showpiece ]