Chocolate cake. Chocolate bars. Chocolate covered strawberries. If you’re like most Americans, just reading those words has probably begun to make your mouth water. After all, people in the US each eat an average of twelve pounds of chocolate per year.
Still, most of these individuals don’t have what it takes to become a full-on chocolate connoisseur. If you’re a chocoholic and consider yourself to likely be more of a chocolate lover than others in the population, though, you’ve got a head start.
It’s going to take commitment, but you just may be up for the fun—and rewarding—experience of the connoisseur.
Here, we’re going to teach you refinement. We’re going to teach you poise. We’re going to teach you about chocolate in a way you’ve never thought of it before. Read on to become the ultimate expert in chocolate and fall more and more in love with its creamy goodness each day!
Refine Your Palette
The first step to becoming a chocolate connoisseur is to learn what chocolate is supposed to taste like. We mean no disrespect to supermarket chocolate—it has its good qualities—but it isn’t… well, it alone isn’t for the true connoisseur. Read on to learn what is.
Taste Different Chocolates
One thing to keep in mind is that you can’t limit yourself to only one kind of chocolate. While 92% of people prefer milk chocolate, and we can’t blame them, the true connoisseur will have tried all kinds of chocolates. White, milk, or dark, it shouldn’t matter! While you’re of course going to have a (possibly strong) preference, you need to be open to chocolate in all its forms.
Also, keep in mind that you’ll want to try everything from sea salt caramels to cakes to malt balls to chocolate covered pretzels. Don’t limit yourself or your repertoire!
There are also so many different confectioneries in the US (and the world) that pride themselves on serving the finest chocolates and chocolate pastries. Grab a friend and make a day of going to nearby confectioneries! Taste different chocolates. Take home your favorites. Have fun!
Order from Foreign Lands
Despite the fact that chocolate is so popular in the States, America is really not the place for the chocolate connoisseur. Europeans scoff at our chocolate in disgust. Those in Africa who cultivate the richest cacao beans are devastated to see their spoils wasted upon us.
While you may like American chocolate, t’s important to try a chocolate from other parts of the world if you want to be a true connoisseur. The most obvious place to start in Brussels, where the city of Bruges has met acclaim specifically for its chocolate.
But what of London’s finest cakes? Parisian chocolate croissants? Japanese chocolates in the shapes of adorable animals?
If you can visit these lands, awesome. If not, just import the chocolate. You won’t regret it.
Show Off Your Class
The true chocolate connoisseur doesn’t only love chocolate internally but shows off that love externally as well. If you have a purse, put some fun buttons on it that expresses your love for chocolate. Wear that scarf that looks like a chocolate bar. It’s fun and no one will judge.
There are also really cute baby clothes inspired by chocolate’s delicious look and creamy taste. Head over and look at Chocolat Kids clothing to begin dressing your baby up in a style that represents the chocolate connoisseur you hope that they, too, will dream of being.
Make Your Own Chocolate
Refinement and class aren’t the only qualities that make a true connoisseur. Au contraire! What would be a connoisseur if not someone who can use the information that they hold closest to their heart?
Decide What to Make
Before you can start on your own chocolate creations, it’s key that you decide what to make. While you, of course, love chocolate in all its forms, you’re only human, and having a favorite type or kind of chocolate is only natural.
Do you prefer rich and gummy brownies? Chocolate pound cake? Classic chocolate bars that contain goodies like cashews or crispy morsels? Start out with making your personal favorites. The rest will follow.
Use Your Refined Knowledge
Alright, so you’ve decided on the type of confection you want to make. What’s next?
Why, you use the knowledge that you learned from all you chocolate tasting endeavors, of course! Where did you taste the best chocolate? Are there any ingredients or recipes that you can find from that area of the country (or the world?) How can you get a hold of them? (Hint: look online.)
You can use this knowledge not only to gather ingredients but also to find recipes. Look into chocolate recipes or ideas from the places you love most that use the ingredients that you most enjoyed while tasting. You won’t regret it.
Find the Right Recipe
When all that’s said and done, it’s time to find the perfect recipe! As a connoisseur, you’ll probably want to make everything from scratch. This is a challenge, but it’s an incredibly fun one and a great new hobby to take up!
You can find all sorts of recipes online from a quick Google search. Still, there are others that you can talk to for more ideas on the chocolate you can make. Once you’ve tried some basic recipes, think about subscribing to magazines and newsletters run by experts. Also think about taking tours around chocolate makers’ facilities and learning the equipment that the pros use!
Become a Chocolate Connoisseur
Almost everyone loves chocolate, but not everyone has what it takes to become a chocolate connoisseur. Knowing how to refine your palette and make your own chocolate, though, gives you an advantage and a head start to becoming an expert on all things rich and chocolatey.
Now that you know how to become a connoisseur of both tasting and making chocolate, head over to our page and click on the ‘lifestyle’ tab! Here, you’ll learn more tips for thinking of DIY creations and gaining expertise in new topics.
Bon appetit!