Become a Chocolatier with tips from our Executive Chef
Right now, we don’t have the option to head down to the shops whenever we feel a craving for chocolate but most of us do have plenty of time on our hands to learn new skills and perfect existing ones to make chocolate treats.
On this Easter weekend our Executive Chef Graham Tinsley wants to show people how to make scrumptious, all-natural chocolate at home using just a few basic ingredients and by following a few of his insider tips.
Graham explains, “The way to prepare the best chocolate to prevent it having a dull greyish colour and an off-putting waxy texture is through a process called tempering which prevents the cocoa fat separating out. This is an essential step for smooth, glossy, evenly coloured coating for chocolate and it produces a crisp, satisfying snap when you bite into it.
He continues, “The tempering process takes chocolate through a temperature curve which helps align the chocolate crystals and the easiest way to do this in by a method known as seeding.”
Easter is one of those “permissible indulgence” moments for enjoying chocolate and Graham concludes “Making your own all-natural chocolate following my guidance is even better than shop bought chocolate that can contain ingredients that are less appealing such as sugars, dyes and preservatives”.
Tempering Chocolate
Tempering chocolate is an essential step for making a smooth, glossy, evenly coloured coating for your dipped chocolates and chocolate moulds. Tempering prevents the dull greyish colour and waxy texture that happens when the cocoa fat separates out. Tempered chocolate produces a crisp, satisfying snap when you bite into it. The tempering process takes chocolate through a temperature curve, a process which aligns the chocolate’s crystals to make it smooth, silky, and glossy.
The easiest way to do this is by the method known as seeding. Melt 2/3rds of your chocolate in a bowl over a pan of hot water until the chocolate is melted and the required temperature is reached. Then take the chocolate off the heat and add the last 1/3rd of chocolate and stir until completely dissolved. This will take a bit of practice to achieve the correct temperatures. A food thermometer is a must for achieving this
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The perfect Christmas present doesn`t exis......🤩
Carden Park offers the perfect Christmas gift for everyone on your list.
Whether it`s a blissful spa trip, a golfing adventure, or an unforgettable overnight stay - there`s something magical for all to enjoy. 🎁✨
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As December dawns at Carden Park, the enchanting countdown to Christmas begins 🎄✨
Join us as we embrace the real countdown to Christmas as our hotel is adorned with wreaths, our spa turns into a winter sanctuary, and our restaurant is filled with all the culinary delights
But perhaps what truly makes December at Carden Park special is the opportunity to share moments of warmth and laughter with loved ones 🫶🏼
Who is feeling the festive magic?
Thinking of treating the family to a break away in 2024? 🤔
Until 4th December, you can use coupon code CP20 to get 20% OFF selected overnight stays - the perfect excuse to plan ahead 🙌
What to expect from your Carden Park stay:
🍃 Luxurious bedroom with breakfast in the morning
🍃 Leisure Club swimming pool
🍃 Children`s play area
🍃 Delicious dining for all ages
🍃 Onsite activities; including zip line, archery & segways
🍃 Golf games at the Driving Range powered by Toptracer
🍃 Sculpture Garden
🍃 10% discount voucher for Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet (available at reception)
🍃 Plenty of family friendly local attractions; such as Chester Zoo, The Ice Cream Farm and BeWILDerwood
See link in bio
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Embracing the final day of November with a serene winter morning at Carden Park ❄️
Crisp air, frost-kissed landscapes, and the promise of cosy festive moments ahead
📸: shamirkp
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Join us for a stroll down memory lane as we round up yet another month of enchantment at Carden Park. 🍃
1. A sunny crisp morning; our favourite!
2. Relaxation at its finest; It`s not just a sauna; it`s a sanctuary of tranquility.
3. Drinks around or fire pits: Evenings come alive as friends and loved ones gather around our cosy fire pits
4. Celebrations: Every day is a cause for celebration at Carden Park. Birthdays, anniversaries, and life`s milestones are marked with special moments.
5. Corporate Team Building: The corporate world found its home at Carden Park, too, with a calendar filled with dynamic events, meetings, and team-building events.
6. Twilight Spa: Finally, as twilight descended upon us, the spa offered an alluring escape with twilight dips
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We`re absolutely thrilled to have won Best Spa in the North West 2023 at the @goodspaguide awards 🏆
We feel unbelievably honoured to have been recognised as one of the best spas in the country and it wouldn`t be possible without our incredible spa team!
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Brace yourselves for a taste of pure enchantment as we proudly launch our long-awaited Festive Afternoon Tea! 🍰☕✨
It`s a symphony of seasonal flavours, the epitome of indulgence, and the perfect way to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit.
🍽️ Delicious finger sandwich selection, featuring turkey & cranberry
🍰 Warmed scones with clotted cream and preserves
🎂 A mouthwatering assortment of festive favorite cakes
☕ A choice of exquisite loose-leaf tea blends
Make your reservation today and treat yourself to a taste of Christmas magic at Carden Park. 🍰🍂🍵
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There`s never been a better time to book your ultimate countryside retreat 🍃
For a limited time, enjoy 20% off rates on selected packages for stays up until 30th April 2024... all you have to do is use coupon code CP20 when booking online
Hurry, this incredible offer ends 4th December 2023, visit the link in bio
𝘗𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘦, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘵 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘮 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘦𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘬.𝘤𝘰.𝘶𝘬
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