In The Art and Craft of Chocolate, world-renowned chocolate maker Nathan Hodge takes you on a grand tour of chocolate—from its processing, history, and trade to how it's made, bean to bar. The book includes the basic principles of chocolate-making at home and recipes for traditional moles, drinks, baked goods, rubs, and more. The Art and Craft of Chocolate opens with the very basics, beginning with the cacao tree, and explains the process of growing cacao and the many hands it takes to process it. For centuries, chocolate has been used for many purposes all over the world: from a currency during the Mayan empire, to homemade beverages consumed by farm workers in Central America for energy, as well as in moles and other dishes in Mexican cuisine. The Art and Craft of Chocolate covers the cultural history of chocolate, as well as the birth of the chocolate bar. The co-founder and head chocolate maker of Raaka Chocolate, Nathan Hodge, then shows you how to hack the basic principles of chocolate-making at home using tools as simple as a food processor, a hair dryer, and a double boiler. In addition, he offers recipes for traditional moles from different regions of Mexico; traditional Mayan chocolate drinks; cocoa as a meat rub; and various baked goods. An expert in the bean-to-bar movement and a leader in sustainable chocolate sourcing, Hodge introduces the concept of bean to bar chocolate—a process that starts with whole cocoa beans, which are roasted, ground, and smoothed into chocolate—and discusses sustainability and social consciousness, along with his own chocolate making philosophy. The Art and Craft of Chocolate is your resource on all topics chocolate.

TREE TO BAR CHOCOLATE We've grown cacao since 2010, but cacao and chocolate became my obsession during the Stay-At-Home days during the pandemic. Before dawn I tempered and molded chocolate. In the daytime I took care of my trees and the trees at the University of Hawai'i, Hilo. I explored methods of fermenting cacao bean in tiny batches and making chocolate bean to bar. I chatted with experts, took online classes, and read books and scientific papers. This book is a synthesis of everything I've learned. It explains how to make chocolate from tree-to-bar and beyond. Covering topics of growing & harvesting, simple tiny fermentations, and chocolate & confections making, this book will bring more cacao into your life. It is written with small scale cacao tree growers and amateur chocolate makers in mind, but has been well-received by chocolate enthusiasts everywhere. Inside you will find: • savory and sweet recipes for every step of the process • ways to ferment a tiny amount of cacao seeds • a primer on basic chocolate making skills • tricks for tempering chocolate in a tropical climate • inspiration for using locally grown ingredients • guidance to tasting chocolate • encouragement to experiment and play CHAPTER LIST Introduction One Cacao Pod Tree to Bar Chocolate Growing & Harvesting Unfermented Fermenting Drying Roasting & Winnowing Grinding Tempering In the Tropics Molding and Dipping Flavor & Tasting A Bad Batch? Canoe Plants Rituals Reader feedback: "Order this book! If you love chocolate, there's always something new to learn. Not just for chocolate makers! An approachable, fun softcover book where the aloha spirit spills out the moment you open the cover." - Barb Genuario, @chocochaser on Instagram "Wow! What an awesome book! I read it cover to cover... I have a newfound appreciation for chocolate making. I especially loved the different recipes for making things at every stage of the process and utilizing much of the pod along the way. While I likely won't be making tree to treat chocolates, it did open my eyes to what chocolate actually is." - Brandon, chocolate-eater in Seattle, WA "My favorite book on chocolate and cacao ever." - Mackenzie Rivers, MAP Chocolate and The Next Batch chocolate school

**Delve into the Decadent World of Crafted Cocoa Your Ultimate Guide** Unlock the enchanted realm of artisanal chocolate with "Crafted Cocoa," the eBook that aficionados and novice crafters alike have been waiting for. Prepare to be whisked away on an epicurean journey that starts with the humble cacao bean and blossoms into the flourishing industry of craft chocolate. Begin your adventure by immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of "The Essence of Artisanal Chocolate," where you will unravel the secrets of the bean-to-bar process and witness the resplendent rise of craft chocolate. With each turn of the page, elevate your understanding and appreciation of the sumptuous world of cacao. Dive deep into the heart of the craft with "Cacao Bean Basics," exploring the diverse varieties and their unique flavor profiles, all while understanding the profound influence of terroir. Embrace the ethos of ethical sourcing and sustainability, and discover how direct trade and conscious certifications can not only impact the quality of your product but the world at large. Transform your passion into prowess by setting up your very own chocolate workshop, a sanctuary where every artisan's tools come together to lay the foundation for creativity. Master the pivotal skills of roasting and winnowing in "The Art of Roasting Cacao," each kernel's potential unfurling under the warmth of your dedication. "The Refining Process" will challenge your craft, guiding you through the meticulous arts of grinding, conching, and achieving that velvety, melt-in-your-mouth texture synonymous with luxury. "Flavor Development and Enhancement" beckons next, teaching you how to refine your chocolatier's palate, infuse your concoctions with daring ingredients and pair them with perfect partners. As you progress through the chapters, embrace the ritual of tempering, molding, and packaging—each step an essential stratum in the stratigraphy of chocolate making. With ingenious marketing strategies, collaborative efforts to foster a community, and the art of brand storytelling, "Crafted Cocoa" turns creators into entrepreneurs. Look to the horizon with "The Future of Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Making," catching a glimpse of potential technological advancements and evolving movements. Alongside the pragmatic, find inspiration in detailed case studies of successful artisans and the impact of chocolate as a social enterprise. "Crafted Cocoa" doesn't end with the final chapter. It's only the beginning of a confectionery quest—an odyssey that starts in your hands and ends with a world made richer, one bar at a time. This is not just an eBook; it's your companion, educator, and the whispering muse behind your next chocolate masterpiece. Indulge your senses, feed your curiosity, and shape the future of craft chocolate. The journey begins with a click.

**Beyond the Wrapper A Fascinating Journey Through the World of Cacao and Chocolate** Discover the rich tapestry woven by centuries of chocolate and cacao history in "Beyond the Wrapper." This enlightening eBook invites you on a captivating exploration of cacao's ancient origins, its revered place in Mesoamerican civilizations, and its transformative journey across the globe. Dive into the intriguing story of cacao cultivation in ancient Mesoamerica, where mythology meets early harvesting techniques. From the sacred rituals of the Maya to the Aztec temples, uncover the profound spiritual significance that cacao held in these vibrant societies. Witness cacao’s dramatic encounter with Europe through the eyes of Columbus and Cortés, and follow its evolution from a bitter beverage to a beloved sweet. Learn how the addition of sugar and milk birthed the chocolate bar, revolutionizing our palates forever. The eBook meticulously chronicles the creation of the modern chocolate industry, highlighting the groundbreaking innovations by Dutch and Swiss chocolatiers that paved the way for mass production. Delve into the often-overlooked impact of cacao on colonial economies, shedding light on the darker aspects of its history, such as forced labor and economic dependency. Globalization takes center stage as "Beyond the Wrapper" traces the establishment of international trade routes and the incorporation of chocolate into diverse culinary traditions worldwide. Embrace the technological advancements and artisan techniques that continue to shape contemporary chocolate production. Engage with ethical considerations, including fair trade practices and sustainable farming, underscoring the ongoing fight against modern slavery. Explore chocolate’s multifaceted role in culture and society, its symbolism in literature and art, and its presence in festivals and celebrations. For chocolate enthusiasts and home chefs, the final chapters provide a comprehensive guide to creating your own chocolate from bean to bar, combining sourcing tips with practical home roasting techniques. "Beyond the Wrapper" is an indispensable resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding and appreciation of chocolate. Whether you're a history buff, a culinary explorer, or simply a chocolate lover, embark on this delectable journey and uncover the secrets behind your favorite indulgence.

This book on the crafting of chocolate in contemporary France is itself delicious. It will be a classic of French ethnography and contribute in important ways to the ongoing debate about the role of national identity in the European Union."—Carole L. Crumley, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill "A real pathbreaker. The intensity of Terrio's engagement with her respondents shines from almost every page. The work contributes to our understanding of the politics of heritage. . . . It is a thoroughly researched and descriptively rich analysis of how anthropologists can approach weighty problems of identity, national-local relations, and the ideology of self and other."—Michael Herzfeld, author of Portrait of a Greek Imagination