Review Couture Chocolate – A Masterclass in Chocolate by William Curley (Giveaway now Closed)
Anyone who has a chocolate addiction, as I have, will appreciate a good chocolate book and William Curley’s Couture Chocolate – A Masterclass in Chocolate provides the perfect hit. William Curley is Britain’s top Chocolatier (how I love that word), having won the title of the Academy of Chocolate’s Best British Chocolatier for the last four years running. William has worked in several Michelin-starred establishments, under Pierre Koffmann, Raymond Blanc and Marco Pierre White, before moving to the London Savoy as Chef Patissier where he met his Japanese wife, Suzue. William now owns two chocolate boutiques with Suzue, whom he credits as his inspiration. He’s a hard man to beat and Couture Chocolate gives us a little glimpse as to why.
This is not a book for the chocolate-shy. This is a book to embrace boldly with both hands as William unveils all the techniques and secrets to creating some of the most stunning chocolate creations. It is very comprehensive. If you were thinking about becomming a Chocolatier, this book would definitely set you on the right track. Think of it as distance learning by chocolate. Having said that, for those of us with nothing more than a mere interest in lovely chocolate, this book is a feast for the eyes and there any many recipes in here which will easily tempt you into tempering and charm you into chocolate-making at home.
Beginning with the essentials, Couture Chocolate explains the Discovery and Origins of Cocoa (wild cacao was originally consumed as long ago as 1500 BC by the Olmecs) with South American countries such as Venezuela, Ecuador, Mexico, as well as the Caribbean growing some of the best cocoa in the world.
There are three types of cocoa tree: the Criollo, the Forastero and the Trinitario and cocoa grows best in high humidity. There is a simple description of the Bean to Bar process, beginning with cocoa pods and ending in Couverture chocolate (cocoa butter is added to the cocoa mass and then processed with sugar and vanilla.) We are also given a breakdown of the main varieties of chocolate (dark, milk, white, powder, nibs) as well as correct storage and the all-important method of tempering.
There are also step-by-step instructions and photographs for making a basic Ganache (chocolate, cream, sugar and butter) – the backbone for many of the chocolate recipes throughout the book and then we begin…
The opening chapter of the book covers Truffles (balls of ganache that can also be used to fill chocolate and patisserie) and includes William’s recipes for his House Dark Truffle and House Milk Truffle as well as some more unusual flavours, such as Matcha and Pistachio Truffle and Cassis & Hibiscus.
Onto Couture Chocolates, essentially, the high-end, custom-made chocolates that you can find at William’s boutiques in Richmond and Belgravia. William takes you through the stages, such as making an infused or flavoured ganache chocolate, setting it into a tray, making layers (such as Feuillantine, Pistachio or Marzipan) followed by dipping and decorating. Imagine creating fillings such as Apricot & Wasabi, Sea Salt Caramel, Rosemary & Olive Oil (shown below) or Yuzu (Japanese citrus fruit) at home!
There is also a delightful chapter on Bars & Bites that would suit those wanting to make their own stunning chocolate gifts to giveaway. For example, there are step-by-step photos and instructions for Fruit & Nut Decorated Bars, Infused Bars as well as Chocolate Thins and Chocolate Lollipops.
A chapter on Bouchées (small delights) includes chocolate-coated Cinder Toffee (a childhood favourite of mine), Chocolate Macaroons, beautiful Hazlenut & Feuillantine Cakes (shown below) as well as a posh twist on a marshmallow teacakes, with blackcurrant purée or orange marmalade. I was also particularly taken by the Millionaire’s Shortbread and will be sharing the recipe for that tomorrow, so stay tuned!
Next, my favourite chapter, Cakes & Biscuits, with recipes for Chocolate Madeleines, adventurous-sounding Chestnut & Sesame Brownies, Chocolate Fig Cakes as well as cookies and sablés.
For those with a real interest in creating stunning desserts, flick straight through to the chapter on Patisserie, where you’ll find all the secrets to decorating with chocolate (how to make hoops, curls, waves and curls) before moving onto a classic Chocolate Mousse, stunning Chocolate Tarts (shown below) a Chocolate Mille-Feuille, or William’s Black Forest sponge with white chocolate and kirsch mousse. You’ll also find a recipe for Chocolate Tiramisu Caskets, shown on the cover of the book.
In case you haven’t had your fair share of chocolate by now, the final chapter reveals Ice-Cream, Sauces and Drinks. The Chocolate and Peanut ice-cream is firmly bookmarked for the summer along with William’s Chocolate Sauce and of course, I’ve spotted the Chocolate and Praline Spread (homemade Nutella!) as well as a very seductive White Chocolate Martini.
At the very back you’ll find a Directory of Stockists for all your chocolate needs, as well as an A-Z of Ingreditents and Equipment.
All in all, a veritable feast in chocolate. Is there anything missing? I haven’t spotted a recipe for William’s Signature Hot Chocolate so I’ll have to force myself to visit William’s shop in Richmond for that!
William Curley’s Couture Chocolate is Published by Jacqui Small LLP (An imprint of Aurum Press) with an RRP of £30.00 – currently £19.07 on Amazon.
Photography Credit: Jose Lasheras
Giveaway NOW CLOSED
Closing date: Wednesday 15th February 2012 The winner will be announced the next day.
Giveaway winner: Vicky Haddock.
Thank you to Jacqui Small Publishing for my review copy and for the giveaway prize.
Good Luck!
Thanks, looking forward to receiving it
I’m following @RenBehan on Twitter and “Liked” Fabulicious Food on Facebook x
I’ve tweeted about the giveaway 🙂 @KookyKaty xx
I’ve “Liked” the William Curley Facebook page and followed William Curley on Twitter xx
I’d enjoy the Patisserie chapter the most 🙂 Yumm!
i would love the Bars & Bites chapter – this book looks great 🙂
Looks lovely.
‘liked’ William Curley on facebook x
My goodness even the cover pic looks good enough to eat! I think I would skip right to the Couture Chocolate section, I would love to (attempt to) make my own unusual and extra special chocolate treats for my family x
I follow on Networked Blogs
Already like you on FB and follow you on Twitter (@nickiem)
Tweeted @nickiem
https://twitter.com/#!/nickiem/status/169903636053360641
Liked William Curley on FB
Cakes & Biscuits
liked facebook and followed on twitter
Couture Chocolates
following on nb
@RenBehan on Twitter done
tweeted @beckydowney
follow William Curley on Twitter done
Patisserie or Ice-Creams
cakes and biscuits 🙂
del gow fb
adelleg3 twitter
I like the sound of the Ice-Cream, Sauces and Drinks chapter.
Following you on twitter @ericahughes
Tweeted @ericahughes
Liked on fb
Like the sound of Ice-Creams, Sauces & Drinks
I would enjoy the Bars&Bites chapter the most because I would definitely bake from this chapter.
I would have to say my favourite would be cakes & biscuits!! I love cooking with my children.
Have FB liked all pages, followed all on Twitter & tweeted @cluckyhen0 xxx
Liked Fabulicious Food on Facebook 8D xx
@The_Eekey is following @RenBehan on Twitter x
The_Eekey has tweeted! x
The_Eekey is following William Curley on Twitter x
Liked William Curley on Facebook x
Definitely Ice-Creams, Sauces and Drinks!
cakes and biscuits
Bars & Bites !
Following you on Twitter @Isis1981uk
Tweeted the message @Isis1981uk
Liked William Curley on Facebook.
I love the sound of the Couture Chocolates chapter – I need to raise the standards of my chocolate!
The bouchee chapter….or cakes and biscuits…. Or sauces and drinks…..
So much to chose from I can’t pick just one lol
Erin Satterly already liked Fabulicious Food on Facebook
@erinyslondon follows @RenBehan on Twiitter
@erinyslondon tweeted here https://twitter.com/#!/erinyslondon/status/169596261362708480
@erinyslondon follows @William_Curley on Twitter
Erin Satterly likes William Curley on Facebook
I would best love the bouchee chapter.
Indeed Millionaire’s shortbread is my downfall 😉
I’ve also tweeted @angiehoggett
already liked and followed you @angiehoggett
liked and followed William Curley @angiehoggett
Patisserie for me!
Already follow RB, like FF.
Tweeted as requested.
Liked WC on FB, following on Twitter (@KateBissell).
Hard to choose, but I guess the Couture Chocolates section is the most intriguing.
Looks AMAZING!!! Have liked on FB! 🙂
Truffles- I’d love to learn how to make my own.
And I like you on facebook
I’m following you on twitter
I have tweeted too
An I’m following William Curley on Twitter @sheridarby
I like William Curley on Facebook
I think it would be Cakes and Biscuits for me
Oooh it would be Cakes & Biscuits for me. The book looks fab.
mmm has to be ice cream
I would enjoy the Cakes & Biscuits chapter the most – the Chestnut & Sesame Brownies sound good.
I already follow you on twitter, @digbythedog
I have followed william curley on twitter, @digbythedog
I have tweeted, @digbythedog
I think I’s like the Truffles chapter best.
I am following you on Networked Blogs as Annabel Lee
Follow you @RenBehan on Twitter as @00annabellee00 and “Like” Fabulicious Food on Facebook as Annabel Lee
I have tweeted as @00annabellee00
https://twitter.com/#!/00AnnabelLee00/status/169415400700915713
William Curley
I’m following you on Twitter as @00annabellee00
I like your Facebook page as Annabel Lee
Sauces & Drinks
Following you on twitter (@freyamae1) and facebook
Tweeted also as @freyamae1
Liking the facebook page also
B:ouchées for me although until Id read it on her I didnt know what it mean’t
The whole book sounds fab but I think Bars and bites would appeal to me more.
Already follow you on Networked Blogs 🙂 as Laura Carrol.
I already follow you on twitter @Laura_Cookies and on facebook as Laura Carrol.
I have tweeted @Laura_Cookies
https://twitter.com/#!/Laura_Cookies/status/169251837000695808
I’ve followed William Curley on twitter
@Laura_Cookies
It would definitely be truffles, I adore them! <3
followed and tweeted @williancurley -@elzmumof3
liked the william curley facebook page – Ellie Bevan
I would love the cakes and buiscuits sextion 🙂
bars and bites lol
Hard to choose but I’m very fond of macaroons so the Bouchées chapter would be the first section I’d turn to.
I think it would have to be Bars & Bites. I’ve always loved the idea of making something special and giving them as presents. If I win the book it might just be my inspiration!
followed on FB! 🙂
Following Fabulicious Food! on Networked Blogs
Followed you @RenBehan on Twitter @theorecle
and “Like” Fabulicious Food on Facebook-david cavender
Have tweeted “I would love to win William Curley’s Couture Chocolate Book via #Fabulicious Food!” @theorecle
“Liked” the William Curley Facebook page -david cavender
and followed William Curley on Twitter @theorecle
I would enjoy the chapter on Ice-Creams-can’t get enough!
Couture chocolate
I am following @RenBehan on Twitter as @manicmuriel
I have tweeted about the giveaway as @manicmuriel
I am following William Curley on Twitter as @manicmuriel
I love truffles so my favourite section would be the truffle one 🙂
Bars and Bites would be best for me! I love making things to give to people.
Cakes & Biscuits
Every chapter sounds spectacular, but definitely the truffles is where I’d spend my time…
cakes and biscuits
Follow Fabulicious Food! on Networked Blogs
Follow @RenBehan on Twitter (@gouldie7) and “Like” Fabulicious Food on Facebook
Tweeted message – @gouldie7
“Like” the William Curley Facebook page and follow William Curley on Twitter – @gouldie7
Cakes & Biscuits
Followed you on Networked blogs. Thanks x
Followed and liked on Twitter and Facebook as per Step 4
Tweeted about the giveaway
Followed on Facebook and liked on Twitter
Couture Chocolates
Cakes & Biscuits
I would prefer cakes and biscuits!
I would probably enjoy most Cakes & Biscuits chapter as I love cakes and I love chocolate so the combination of both is just perfect for me.
Following you via Networked Blogs – Sarah Littleboo Anguish
@littleboo_21
Following you via Twitter
@littleboo_21
Tweeted too
@littleboo_21
Liked on FB – Sarah Littleboo Anguish
@littleboo_21
Cakes & Biscuits
@littleboo_21
I’d love the sauces, drinks, biscuits……….
Couture Chocolates, already making my mouth water
Cakes and Biscuits looks good to me
Couture Chocolates
I’m following Fabulicious Food on Twitter as @LoveWinning
I’m following Fabulicious Food on Facebook as ‘Francesca Light-Wilson’
I’ve tweeted about the competition as @LoveWinning
I’m following William Curley on Twitter as @LoveWinning 🙂
I’ve liked William Curley on Facebook as ‘Francesca Light-Wilson’
The ‘cakes and biscuits’ section particularly appeals to me – I love baking, it’s so therapeutic!
I already follow you on twitter @facelessfood
Have tweeted @facelessfood
already following on networked blogs
already follow you on twitter and like your fb page
That looks an amazing book. I love the sound of the truffles section.
@facelessfood
tweeted from @bakingaddict
Liked the William Curley FB page and following william_curley on twitter from @bakingaddict
I LOVE chocolate and would love to win this book. I think my favourite section would have to be cakes and biscuits as I can attempt some of them myself!
i follow on networked blogs x x
already following you on twitter as @olivia280177
i have tweeted as @olivia280177
i have liked the William Curley FB page as olivia kirby
I would use the bars and bites bit the most x xx
The whole book looks delicious but as I love baking I would turn to the cakes and biscuits chapter first
5.Follow Fabulicious Food! on Networked Blogs – done
4.Follow me @RenBehan on Twitter and/or “Like” Fabulicious Food on Facebook – leave a comment here to tell me that you have done so – done @clairew137 / clairewoods32@yahoo.co.uk
Tweeted – @clairew137
2.Pop over to Facebook and “Like” the William Curley Facebook page and/or follow William Curley on Twitter – done @clairew137 / clairewoods32@yahoo.co.uk
Truffles,
i follow on twitter as @ashlallan
i have tweeted as @ashlallan
definately truffles!
have followed @renbehan @elainesavage400
Have followed William Curley @elainesavage400
Have followed William Curley
Have liked and followed
Ice-Creams, Sauces & Drinks
i would like sauces and drinks. but i really like them all.super book.
I have followed William Curley on Facebook and Twitter.
(Helen Ritchie & @nellyscupcakes)
I think the chapter on cakes would appeal most to me, but to be honest it all looks amazing! I would love to learn more about chocolate.
What a fabulous book, I had better not enter, as I would want to try everything, and then I wouldn’t be able get through the door of the Richmond shop!
This looks like a terrific book. I would be most interested in the cakes and biscuits chapter as I love to bake and am always looking for new and exciting recipes.
looks a fab book x
this book looks fantastic
This book sounds absolutely incredible. William Curley’s shop in Richmond is an absolute treasure trove of treats and would absolutely love to be able to recreate some of them at home.
If I won this book I’d hardly know where to start, but it would probably be a close run thing between the Patisserie and Ice Creams, Sauces & Drinks sections.