RobertM

Kerry - beautiful pieces - port wine and tobacco.....please let us know how they go! have a glorious time .......

Someone was asking about a wrapping machine.....(I'm hoping this is allowed) union machinery just emailed me about one, a package machinery Midel K Kiss wrapper - it looks small and compact.....$28,500 it can wrap up to 100 pieces per minute..... http://www.unionmachinery.com/Product.asp?Number=80231

One of my "helpers" put a couple of my molds in the dishwasher, just once. Now they are lovely doorstoppers. Quite quickly indeed

I'm sending my western PA relatives there, ASAP

Put this together for a party tonight.....

I believe it was Melissa who provided this "doh" moment: if your colored cocoa butter is in temper (32 C) and you're using a finger to make decorations, your body heat can cause the colored cocoa butter to be knocked out of temper and cause problems when unmolding.....

The hardware store can be your friend! PVC pipe to wrap decorations around: drywall taping knives/spatulas for scraping molds and other tools; heat guns; and so much more

Also the scrapings of the colored cocoa butter were chilled and then reused in the milk or dark chocolate

I learned there is that when making caramel, there is no need to slice and scrape a vanilla bean into the hot caramel. Just slicing the bean and putting that into the hot liquid while cooking will burst open the bean and release all of its deliciousness directly into the caramel....

The time we spent with Jin (#jinjuchocoholic) was amazing! She shared so many techniques and ideas the ideas are still swarming around in my little brain. Then there are always those moments when you are watching her and you're thinking..."well....duh....why didn't I think of that?" Thank you to Jin for her time, her expertise, her willingness to share and her hospitality!

The start of a busy day begins with a veggie omelet and coffee (decaf)

Breakfast this morning took us to a little hideaway place that has been rated as one of the top 10 breakfasts in Las Vegas! Eat! We discovered Eat on our last Workshop and I'm glad to say it's only gotten better TikiDoc had the Huevos I had the "special" Prime Rib Hash

Donna and I had a house salad. Ruth had a Mediterranean Chicken Wrap, she said it was very good and ended up taking half back to the hotel.....midnight snack? Donna selected a hot dog with chili....the bun was a little to much for the meal and she decided to just enjoy it without the bread.... I opted for the St. Louis Style Ribs...they weren't bad. A tad to much sauce on them for my personal liking, but, they were tasty

Later on, I decided to take a couple of us to Mt. Charleston, just a short drive North of the city. The Lodge is about 7,600 feet up, Giving it a totally different feel from the desert.

I met Ruth at the hotel and we decided on a "quick" lunch. I'm a big fan of In N' Out Burger but I really think that Fatburger has a slight edge...so, we headed off to Fatburger for lunch! We are both trying to be "good" so we opted for no fries and water....

There has already been a change to the Agenda for this weekend! The location of the Friday night Meet and Greet has been changed! We shall now meet in Building C Room 321, not on the 3rd floor of Building H as previously announced! Same time 7:00 to 8:00

These weekends are organized all by other chocolatiers who volunteer their time. I know it's difficult to keep this page update as well as any other social media used to coordinate the events. It's a time consuming task that at times can be very overwhelming! With that in mind, please make sure you are checking all outlets available for updated information and news. I'm sure that eG will be updated as soon as possible, but sometimes, other social media outlets are a bit quicker to update. I applaud Ruth for coordinating and organizing an amazing and awesome weekend! (With or without Hoot Loot)

Gorgeous Ruth!

RWood....beautiful work!! Beautiful

My contributions to next week

I was at there for the incident....it was horrible, but, the professionals in us pulled together and moved on...... for those reading this, do not try these experiments at home, leave it to the Pros

....and I would suggest bringing an empty box (or plastic Tupperware type container) to bring home samples, as on Sundays we display our work and enjoy being able to take home chocolates from the Workshop. Typically we add any extras we have left from the Meet and Greet. My problem is, I take things home and when people ask what flavor they are, I have to claim ignorance. It's more like Russian Roulette with chocolates.....

I seem to recall at one of our eGullet Workshops, Kerry made PDF in the Thermomix! Still a small batch operation.....

The Friday get together is to allow everyone (and invited guests) the opportunity to meet everyone and to share a couple items you make with others. Oh, and to enjoy a glass of wine for those that indulge. I would just bring one, or two, particular pieces you produce! Don't overthink it....we are a very fun group!