What Makes Up a Perfect Box of Chocolates?
Chocolatier Krystal Craig sheds light on a romantic tradition.
There’s nothing quite like receiving a box of drugstore chocolates from your loved one and biting into that first piece, only to be a little underwhelmed. This year, there’s no need to leave the taste buds disappointed with these decadent and local chocolates.
In anticipation of Valentine’s Day, we spoke with East Austin’s favorite chocolate expert and co-owner of beloved Italian restaurant Intero, Krystal Craig, about the ins and outs of candy making. She shed some light on the thoughtful considerations that go into each treat she makes.
Q: What elements make or break good chocolate?
A: There is a huge difference between the two types of chocolate available: compound chocolates and couverture chocolates…why? Couverture chocolate, the good stuff,is created from the process of combining a few simple key ingredients together which include cocoa liquor (aka cocoa mass), cocoa butter, sugar, and often vanilla, soy lecithin, and *milk powder for milk chocolate. A really great, more recent advancement in couverture chocolate options include the healthier and more allergy-friendly use of sunflower lecithin instead of soy lecithin, and oat syrup and rice syrup instead of milk solids to create a milk chocolate effect. Typically, couverture chocolate producers grow and source the ingredients needed with more care and attention to environmental and fair-trade labor impacts.
Compound chocolate, on the other hand, includes higher amounts of sugar and various vegetable oils blended with cocoa in lieu of cocoa butter. I call it “candy chocolate” the cheaper, more mass produced, commercial grade stuff used for all your favorite commercially available candy bars. For those wanting to make chocolate products at home, but without the work of going through the tempering process required for couverture chocolate use (like dipped strawberries and rolled truffles), there are some “better” compound chocolate options, and it is good to do some research before you buy.
Q: How do you make a well-balanced box of chocolate?
A: I like this question. I consider a few factors. One is to always have a classic/nostalgic box option that includes the “real,” organic and not over-sugared, versions of your favorite candy bar flavors (think caramel, coconut, peanut butter, mocha, etc.). Second, when I put together a more versatile chocolate box, I want it to look like a true variety, not only in terms of flavor combinations but also with different shapes and decorations. I try to use different sheens, color patterns, and “tops” like dried fruit, cacao nibs, or toasted nuts, etc. so the balance is the overall appeal of each truffle having its own presence in the box. My third consideration is to ensure everyone can enjoy chocolate so all the chocolates I make are always gluten free, and many are vegan or dairy-free, too. But I try to offer a thoughtful box with a vegan/nut-free choice that is “balanced” so that it doesn’t seem like an afterthought to anyone with dietary concerns.
Q: Of your chocolate creations, what’s your favorite?
A: I personally love the bark chocolate products, including cinnamon cacao nib, or cinnamon pecan and also the peppermint cacao nib, or vanilla chai. Simple ingredients combined are the best, and I feel like they taste more decadent without being overly sweet.
Contact:
interodessert.com
@interorestaurant
Even More Local Valentine’s Day Celebrations & Gift Ideas!
- Dinner and Wine from Cork & Screw and Fil N’ Viet at Camp East
Seating is still available for 5:30 dinner, but reservations are going quickly! - Rebel Cheese Fondue Take-Out
Pre-order by Friday, 2/10 - Eastside Pop Up and Top Drawer Thrift: Love Pop! Community Market
Shop for last minute, local gifts on 2/11, 11am-3pm - Valentine’s Duo Day at Slow Poke Marfa
Hand-poked tattoos for two, appointments available 2/10, 2/11, and 2/14 - Gold Rush Vinyl Forever Flowers
Give your Valentine a bouquet that lasts forever. It comes with four roses made with different colors of recycled vinyl records from Austin’s favorite women-owned and -operated vinyl pressing plant. This is a unique gift to go along with a coveted record for your music-lover
