Category: Chocolate Tips

Understanding Chocolate Percentages

When shopping for chocolate, you may have noticed the different percentages on the labels, but what do these numbers mean? Well, these numbers indicate how much cocoa beans go into the chocolate. The percentage number indicates how much cocoa goes into it and how it will taste. For example, dark chocolate bars contain anywhere from… Read more »

What is the Difference Between Bittersweet and Semisweet Chocolate?

Those who are new to baking may not know there are differences between bittersweet and semisweet chocolate. So before you start baking with either of these types of chocolates, here are some facts about bittersweet and semisweet chocolate. Bittersweet chocolate contains 70% cacao and has less sugar, where semisweet chocolate has 60% cacao. However, both… Read more »

How is Chocolate Made?

It all begins with the cacao tree which grows large pods containing seeds known as cacao. These trees need a rainforest climate to grow, so they’re only found around the equator. The pods hang from the trunk and the thickest branches, and when they’re ripe for harvest they’ll turn a yellowish-orange color. Then, the seeds… Read more »

What is the best way to melt chocolate?

For baking enthusiasts, this question can be an easy one, but for beginner bakers, there are a few simple ways to melt chocolate when a recipe calls for it. You have two options: you can use a double boiler or a microwave. The first rule to keep in mind is: low and slow; that is… Read more »

Chocolate Gift Baskets

Who doesn’t love getting chocolate gift baskets? They are the perfect treat to brighten someone’s day or make a special occasion even more special. At Lazar’s Chocolates, we have an assortment of chocolate gift baskets for any occasion. Most baskets come in a traditional wicker style or “platter-style”. Each of our gift baskets contains an… Read more »

How to Properly Store Chocolate?

When purchasing a box of chocolates, it’s difficult to resist eating them all at once! But for any true chocolate lover, it’s important to know how to properly store chocolate, so you maintain and enjoy this delicious treat for longer periods of time. The biggest rule when storing chocolate is to not refrigerate them! Chocolate… Read more »