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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 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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Tag your besties, it`s time to plan your girls spa day 💃✨ Women`s only spa day // Hijab friendly spa // Halal friendly spa hotel // The Spa at Carden Park Hotel // Girls day out // Cheshire day out // Spa near Chester
𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 🎊 This October half term, the whole family can enjoy the VIP experience where children stay at no extra cost. From exciting activities here at Carden Park to adventures at our local attractions, there`s something for everyone to enjoy 🍂🤸 Family holidays // Autumn break // October half term // Outdoor activities // Cheshire // Chester // Things to do // Where to stay
If you`re wondering whether you really need to book another spa day, the answer is always 🙂↕️🙂↕️🙂↕️Due to popular demand, we have extended our Autumn Glow Spa Day to include the afternoon as well as the morning experience:🫧 A morning or afternoon in the spa garden and thermal suite🫧 50 minute Cleansing Back and Leg Ritual Treatment🫧 Healthy brunch or lunch overlooking the spa garden🫧 Choice of an autumnal basket cocktail or a pumpkin spiced latteWhen a day just isn`t enough, extend your stay with the Autumn Glow Spa Retreat. Not only will you enjoy a perfectly relaxing day in the spa, you can indulge with an evening meal in either Redmond`s Brasserie or The Vines plus luxury accommodation and breakfast the following morning.🍁 Autumn spa days // October half term // Self-care spa day // Cosy season // Girls day // Romantic date ideas // The Spa at Carden Park Hotel // Cheshire spas // Spa hotel // Spas near Chester
Introducing our new Christmas Shopping Break just for you 🫵🛍️🎄Imagine checking into your luxurious room and enjoying a warming mulled wine or hot chocolate before"sleighing" the festive shopping at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet. After finding the perfect gifts for your loved ones, return to the hotel and indulge in an evening meal at Redmond`s Brasserie or The Vines. The following morning you can feast on a hearty breakfast and spend time relaxing in the leisure pool or make the most of the Leisure Club fitness suite.*𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘮𝘢𝘴 𝘚𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘉𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬 𝘢𝘷𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 1𝘴𝘵 𝘕𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 23𝘳𝘥 𝘋𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳 2025🎁 Christmas shopping // Festive getaway // Winter break // Where to go in Chester // Christmas planning // Luxury hotel // Family holiday // Christmas market
A cosy day in the spa is always a good idea. Just saying...😏🧡 The Spa at Carden Park Hotel // Hot tub // Autumn spa day // Sunset views // Spa near Chester // Sauna // Heated pool // Spa garden // UK travel // Luxury spa hotel
The tastes of autumn have come to The Vines 🍂🍴Celebrating the flavours of the season, our chefs have created dishes using locally sourced produce and hand-harvested ingredients from the Carden Park estate. Highlights include Butter Poached Lobster, BBQ Cheshire Venison Loin, Apple Pie and Affogato. Through the hard work and dedication of our chefs and Vines restaurant team, we`re proud to share that we have retained our 3 AA Rosettes.🧑🍳 Fine dining restaurant // Where to eat // Cheshire restaurant // Gourmet Dining // Romantic date night
Snapshots of September 📸 📷 @xlucyburkexx📷 @s.h.events📷 @ellalouiseberry📷 @Chloe_1xx
This is your sign to book a spa break this autumn 🍂Wrap yourself in warmth and relaxation as you embrace the new season. Your Autumn Glow Spa Stay includes:🍁 Morning spa experience from 9am to 1pm🍁 50 minute Cleansing Back & Leg Ritual treatment🍁 Choice of Autumnal Basket Cocktail or Pumpkin Spiced Latte🍁 Evening meal in either Redmond’s Brasserie or The Vines🍁 Overnight luxury accommodation 🍁 Breakfast the following morning🍁 Use of the Leisure Club during your stayOnly available until the 30th November 2025
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