Buzz Words of the Culinary Industry

There are a lot of buzz words associated with the culinary world-especially regarding sourcing recently (organic, natural, farm to table). But also, descriptors of vendors, chefs, employees, general establishments. I can't count how many times I've read "This renegade something or another makes their whatever with fierce dedication". But one, we've been hearing for a long time, and until recently lost a bit of its effect. Think of all the reviews you've ever read, how many times does the chef in question make their what-have-you with "love?" An ambiguous, overused description, which for me anyway conjures up an image of a grandmother making pie with the apples she just picked. "Made with love." "Love is the most important ingredient." And so forth. I think I disregard this term a bit because I can't quantify, or rationalize it. Unlike, say, "made with ingredients found only on this farm." I think of love for what you make as in intrinsic part of cooking, love (and therefore respect) for the ingredients you use, and the care you take in the final outcome. But there's something else...And until today, I could quite figure out how "love" enhances food. Because, really, it does. I love chocolate, I love everything about it. From the molecular level to the taste, it's easily one of my favorite things to eat, and bake with. For me, it defines baking-a luxurious indulgence, that also has the power to comfort with strong emotional associations. Take tempering-anyone can temper, it's a simple process once you get the hang of it. But it takes time, care and patience, not just technical skill. When I take the time to slow down and pay special, careful attention to what I'm doing, the product is always infinitely better. There's something about that extra personal investment and care that takes a well executed technically correct product to the next level. It's precisely why mass manufactured goods can never achieve what what small batch can, despite perfectly calibrated machinery. It seems obvious, but I suppose I've never really thought it through before. There are so many intricacies to baking that only those who truly love it, and are willing to pay close attention will produce a truly fantastic product. Good to know that while technical advancement may provide us more tools, the human quality of baking can't be imitated.
So speaking of chocolate...We made chocolate candies today!!


Rochers

Chocolate covered Almonds with Orange Liquor and Confit Orange Peel

Chocolate covered whole Carmalized Almonds rolled in powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and fluer de sel (my favorite/not pictured).

Now, to design a chocolate show piece...wish me luck!