Indulge in the art of chocolate tempering with Jacques Torres's expert guidance. Discover the secrets to achieving the perfect glossy sheen, crisp snap, and velvety texture that characterize well-tempered chocolate. This comprehensive guide presents three distinct methods for tempering chocolate: the traditional method, the seeding method, and the microwave method.
Whether you're a seasoned chocolatier or a home baker seeking to elevate your desserts, Jacques Torres's techniques and insights will empower you to create exquisite chocolate confections. Explore the versatility of tempered chocolate as you craft bonbons, ganache, chocolate bars, and molded chocolates. Each method is explained in detail, with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure success.
Enhance your culinary repertoire with this essential guide to chocolate tempering. Master the art of transforming ordinary chocolate into a canvas for your creativity, allowing you to craft delectable desserts that tantalize the senses and leave a lasting impression.
WORKING WITH CHOCOLATE BY JACQUES TORRES
Steps:
- Melting Chocolate:
- Chocolate melts best at temperatures between 104 and 113 degrees F (40 and 45 C). Never melt chocolate directly over a heat source. Use an indirect heat source like a hot water bath so the chocolate reaches a temperature of 104 to 113 degrees F (40 to 45 C). This is the perfect temperature to begin tempering.
- Tempering Chocolate:
- Tempering is important because it determines the final gloss, hardness, and contraction of the chocolate. When you melt chocolate, the molecules of fat separate. In order to put them back together, you temper it. There are a variety of ways to do it.
- One of the easiest ways to temper it is to place it in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time on high power until the chocolate is melted. Be very careful not to overheat it. Be careful; the chocolate will not look like it has melted because it retains its shape. The chocolate should be only slightly warmer than your bottom lip. You may still see lumps in it but, don¿t worry; the residual heat of the chocolate will melt them. You can also use an immersion blender to break up the lumps and start the recrystallization process. Usually, the chocolate begins to set (recrystallize) along the side of the bowl. As it begins to crystallize, mix those crystals into the melted chocolate and they will begin the recrystallization process. I like to use glass bowl because it retains the heat and keeps the chocolate tempered a long time.
- Another way to temper chocolate is called seeding. In this method, tempering is achieved by adding small pieces of unmelted chocolate to melted chocolate. The amount of unmelted chocolate to be added depends on the temperature of the melted chocolate but is usually one fourth of the total amount. I usually use an immersion blender to mix the two together.
- The classic way to temper chocolate is call tabliering. Chocolate is melted over a hot water bath to a temperature between 88 and 90 degrees F (31 to 34 C). (White and milk chocolate are melted to a temperature approximately 2 degrees F less, depending on the amount of milk fat they contain.) Two thirds of the melted chocolate is poured on a cold table or marble surface. The chocolate is spread out and worked with a spatula until the temperature of the chocolate is approximately 81 degrees F (27 C). At this stage, it is thick and begins to set. This tempered chocolate is then added to the remaining one third of non-tempered chocolate and mixed thoroughly until the mass in the bowl has a completely uniform temperature. If the temperature is still too high, part of the chocolate is further worked on the cold table until the correct temperature is reached. This is a lot of work, requires a lot of room and makes a big mess.
- Checking Tempering:
- A simple method of checking tempering is by applying a small quantity of chocolate to a piece of paper or to the point of a knife. If the chocolate has been correctly tempered it will harden evenly and show a good gloss within 5 minutes.
- Storing Chocolate:
- You need to use enough to make it easy to work with so you will always have extra chocolate in molding most of these recipes. Chocolate is susceptible to moisture and absorbs external odors. It is also important to protect it from light and air. Store it in a cool dry place in closed packaging. The ideal temperature for storing chocolate is between 54 and 68 degrees F (12 and 20 C). Do not store chocolate in the refrigerator where the humidity (moisture) will affect it.
- A soft white layer on the surface of chocolate is called fatbloom. It is caused when a thin layer of fat crystals forms on the surface of the chocolate. Storage at a constant temperature will delay the appearance of fatbloom.
- Sugarbloom is a rough and irregular layer on top of the chocolate caused by condensation (when chocolate is taken out of the refrigerator). This moisture will dissolve the sugar in the chocolate. When the water evaporates, the sugar recrystallizes into rough, irregular crystals on the surface and gives the chocolate an unpleasant look. Prevent sugarbloom by preventing temperature shocks.
HOW TO TEMPER CHOCOLATE
Provided by Food Network
Number Of Ingredients 0
Steps:
- Tempering Chocolate: Tempering is important because it determines the final gloss, hardness, and contraction of the chocolate. When you melt chocolate, the molecules of fat separate. In order to put them back together, you temper it. There are a variety of ways to do it.
- One of the easiest ways to temper chocolate is to place it in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time on high power until the chocolate is melted. Be very careful not to overheat it. The chocolate should be only slightly warmer than your bottom lip, and it will retain its shape even when mostly melted. Any remaining lumps will melt in the chocolate's residual heat. You can also use an immersion blender to break up the lumps and start the recrystallization process. Usually, the chocolate begins to set, or crystallize, along the side of the bowl. As it sets, mix those crystals into the melted chocolate to temper it. I like to use a glass bowl because it retains the heat and keeps the chocolate tempered longer.
- Another way to temper chocolate is called seeding. In this method, tempering is achieved by adding small pieces of unmelted chocolate to melted chocolate. The amount of unmelted chocolate to be added depends on the temperature of the melted chocolate but is usually 1/4 of the total amount. I usually use an immersion blender to mix them together.
JACQUES TORRES'S TEMPERED CHOCOLATE
Here's the easy way to temper chocolate in the microwave. Jacques Torres demonstrated this technique on Episode 501 of "Martha Bakes."
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Gluten-Free Recipes
Number Of Ingredients 1
Steps:
- Place chocolate in a large microwaveable bowl. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each interval. Remove bowl from microwave when two-thirds of the chocolate is fully melted and one-third is still in pieces.
- Using a rubber spatula, transfer all of the chocolate to a room-temperature bowl. Carefully, using an immersion blender fully submerged in the chocolate, blend the chocolate until smooth. Using a laser thermometer, check the temperature. If the temperature is less than 90 degrees, use a hair dryer to heat up the chocolate while stirring continuously. If the temperature is more than 90 degrees, continue to stir, adding more pistoles or chopped chocolate to cool it down. When the temperature is 90 degrees, it is tempered and ready to use. If there is any leftover tempered chocolate, it may be stored in a re-sealable plastic bag and reserved for another use.
JACQUES TORRES'S SHINY CHOCOLATE GLAZE
Gelatin is the key to a glistening chocolate glaze that stays put on your cake. Jacques Torres prepared this recipe with Martha on Episode 501 of "Martha Bakes."
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Dessert & Treats Recipes
Yield Makes 1 1/2 cups
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- In a saucepan, combine 1/2 cup water, sugar, heavy cream and cocoa powder. Simmer for about 20 minutes until mixture slightly thickens.
- Place 1 tablespoon cold water in a small bowl. Sprinkle gelatin over top and let soften 5 minutes. Remove chocolate mixture from the heat and whisk in gelatin mixture until thoroughly combined.
- Set over an ice bath and whisk until the glaze thickens and reaches about 80 degrees, about 1 minute.
TEMPERING CHOCOLATE
Steps:
- Tempering determines the final gloss, hardness, and contraction of the chocolate. When you melt chocolate, the molecules of fat separate. To put them back together, you temper it. There are a variety of ways to do it.
- One of the easiest ways is to place it in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time on high power until the chocolate is melted. Be very careful not to overheat it. The chocolate will not look as if it has melted because it retains its shape. It should be only slightly warmer than your bottom lip. You may still see lumps in it, but don't worry; the residual heat of the chocolate will melt them. You can also use an immersion blender to break up the lumps and start the recrystallization process.
- Usually, the chocolate begins to set (recrystallize) along the side of the bowl. As it begins to crystallize, mix those crystals into the melted chocolate and they will begin the recrystallization process. I like to use a glass bowl because it retains the heat and keeps the chocolate tempered for a long time.
- Another way to temper chocolate is called seeding. In this method, tempering is achieved by adding small pieces of unmelted chocolate to melted chocolate. The amount of unmelted chocolate to be added depends on the temperature of the melted chocolate but is usually one fourth of the total amount. I usually use an immersion blender to mix the two together.
- The classic way to temper chocolate is called tabliering. Chocolate is melted over a hot water bath to a temperature between 88°F and 90°F (31°C and 32°C). (White and milk chocolate are melted to a temperature approximately 2°F less, depending on the amount of milk fat they contain.) Two thirds of the melted chocolate is poured on a cold table or marble surface. The chocolate is spread out and worked with a spatula until the temperature of the chocolate is approximately 81°F (27°C). At this stage, it is thick and begins to set. This tempered chocolate is then added to the remaining one third of nontempered chocolate and mixed thoroughly until the mass in the bowl has a completely uniform temperature. If the temperature is still too high, part of the chocolate is further worked on the cold table until the correct temperature is reached. This is a lot of work, requires a lot of room, and makes a big mess.
- A simple method to check tempering is to apply a small quantity of chocolate to a piece of paper or to the point of a knife. If the chocolate has been tempered correctly, it will harden evenly and show a good gloss within 5 minutes.
Tips for Tempering Chocolate:
- Use high-quality chocolate. The higher the cocoa butter content, the easier it will be to temper.
- Start with cold chocolate. This will help the chocolate melt slowly and evenly.
- Heat the chocolate slowly and gently. Do not overheat the chocolate, or it will burn.
- Stir the chocolate constantly. This will help prevent the chocolate from scorching.
- Use a marble slab or a metal bowl. This will help the chocolate cool quickly.
- Be patient. Tempering chocolate takes time and practice.
Conclusion:
Tempering chocolate is an essential step in making chocolate candy and other confections. By following the tips above, you can easily temper chocolate at home. With a little practice, you'll be able to create beautiful and delicious chocolate treats that will impress your friends and family.
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