|
Post by jhoff on Feb 9, 2013 13:53:52 GMT -5
Hi - making 100% chocolate and want to add vanilla to it. I've purchased some whole beans... Do I just cut them up small and add them in the refining / couching step? I'm using a Wonder Grinder... I'm going to start with 2 lbs of Criollo beans. Thanks!
|
|
gap
Apprentice
Posts: 390
|
Post by gap on Feb 9, 2013 16:53:02 GMT -5
I've read conflicting stuff. Some say just use the seeds as that's where most of the flavour is, but others say use the whole ben. I've used the whole bean in the Wonder Grinder. I cut it up into 1cm bits and then run it through a food processor with the sugar in the recipe to cut it up even more. Then just add to the grinder as part of the sugar.
|
|
|
Post by jhoff on Feb 9, 2013 18:12:00 GMT -5
alright, I'm gonna just cut up a bean and put it in then - not adding any sugar and not using a food processor for anything
|
|
|
Post by cheebs on Feb 12, 2013 12:01:56 GMT -5
Yeah, cut up beans will grind up just fine.
|
|
|
Post by jhoff on Feb 12, 2013 12:56:20 GMT -5
Yup - seems to have worked although I don't really taste the vanilla in the finished product (100% dark bars from Criollo beans). At what point do u want to add them to the grinder? maybe near the end?
|
|
gap
Apprentice
Posts: 390
|
Post by gap on Feb 12, 2013 16:22:05 GMT -5
I'm not sure if there's an optimal point. I've added at the start (to give it maximum time to refine) and had no issues with the taste after.
|
|
|
Post by jhoff on Feb 12, 2013 17:05:45 GMT -5
I think I may be over-refining - 24 hours w/ 1-2 lb of beans to start in a Wonder Grinder which has higher RPM than a Santha...
|
|
|
Post by jhoff on Feb 12, 2013 17:06:13 GMT -5
Next batch (this weekend) I will refine for a shorter period. Just until smooth...
|
|
gap
Apprentice
Posts: 390
|
Post by gap on Feb 12, 2013 18:16:01 GMT -5
Taste as you go as well. Sometimes when it's smooth, it still needs a while to mellow out in flavour - I just keep tasting as I go.
|
|