Report: eGullet Chocolate and Confectionary Workshop 2019

[curls]

3 hours ago, Kerry Beal said:

What sort of knives you thinking?

 

- chopping ingredients (nuts and other inclusions)

- portioning items that can’t be cut with a confectionery guitar (nougat, caramel, etc.)

[curls]

9. thermometers: IR & candy/probe

[RobertM]

........it is so hard to believe this was already one week ago.........

Edited May 23, 2019 by RobertM (log)

[curls]

On 5/19/2019 at 5:06 PM, DayGameCandy said:

Big thanks to all for allowing this hard candy guy into your world of chocolate!  I had an amazing time and everyone was so gracious!  

If you wouldn't mind, would you please share your recipe for hard candy? I think the batch size you made at the conference is that "just right" amount. Thanks again for sharing all your knowledge. Hope we see you next year!

[jbates]

I’m sorry all, I should have publicized louder that I had a couple of spare almost-everything in the bottomless suitcase 😄.

 

@RobertM do you mean the stiff acetate like report covers, or the floppier guitar sheets?

 

For me:

 

10. A full size compressor with either 1/4” or 3/8” fittings to support larger air sprayers. We could bring converters for our own 1/4” sprayers or 1/8” airbrushes if needed (I have spares 😊).

 

[jbates]

Since the venue was a school, I suppose it was not surprising that the small wares that get “taken home accidentally” would not be available.

 

The list that @Kerry Beal started can be used by future organizers as a questionnaire for the facility so both sides have the same expectations, and we know what we can leave at home.

 

Then I could bring a (slightly 😄) smaller suitcase.

 

[curls]

5 hours ago, jbates said:

Since the venue was a school, I suppose it was not surprising that the small wares that get “taken home accidentally” would not be available.

 

The list that @Kerry Beal started can be used by future organizers as a questionnaire for the facility so both sides have the same expectations, and we know what we can leave at home.

 

Then I could bring a (slightly 😄) smaller suitcase.

 

We have been at other schools where this has not been an issue.

 

But yes, the list has the potential to be quite helpful.

[DayGameCandy]

On 5/24/2019 at 8:12 AM, curls said:

If you wouldn't mind, would you please share your recipe for hard candy? I think the batch size you made at the conference is that "just right" amount. Thanks again for sharing all your knowledge. Hope we see you next year!

Sure!  I use a pretty standard recipe:  4 cups sugar, 1 cup water, 2/3 cup corn syrup (or glucose).  Bring to 310 (hard crack). This is a hot/dry recipe.  

 

You can use more acid for decorations and such if it is to be used quickly, but you may get cold flow if you store it.  That recipe is 5 cups sugar, 1cup +2tbs water, and 3tbs vinegar, 1/2 cup corn syrup. Very similar to this...

 

Edited May 25, 2019 by DayGameCandy (log)

[gfron1]

18 hours ago, curls said:

We have been at other schools where this has not been an issue.

My sous, who went to a different school here in town, said that they had to supply their own tools as well for the same reason. Must be a local culinary school culture issue.

[DayGameCandy]

After the workshop I was inspired to try making some bon bons from everything I learned.  My first try making shells turned out surprisingly well, but I sure made a mess of the kitchen.  😂

 

Thanks again for sharing your expertise. 

Jon

 

[Kerry Beal]

Well done Jon - first of many fine messes I suspect!

[curls]

The bon bons look great @DayGameCandy. What did you fill them with? With practice, there is hope for making less of a mess.  🙂

[gfweb]

From the point of view of this voyeur, I’d love a group photo with names.  Surely your eventual biographer will appreciate this too. 

[DayGameCandy]

On 7/7/2019 at 8:46 PM, curls said:

The bon bons look great @DayGameCandy. What did you fill them with? With practice, there is hope for making less of a mess.  🙂

Just a simple chocolate ganache. (baby steps...)

[Kerry Beal]

And so it begins - check here for the the Planning thread for the 2020 workshop - to be held at Tomric's wonderful new facility in Buffalo.