• Bakeware

    Weighing & Measuring

    Award Winning Bakeware

    • Explore All Bakeware
    • Baking Tins
    • Baking Trays
    • Bread Making & Loaf Tins
    • Cake Tins
    • Cooling Racks & Trays
    • Crusty Bake
    • Explore All Bakeware
    • Flan / Quiche Tins
    • Icing Tools
    • Mixing Bowls
    • Pastry & Dough
    • Puddings & Pies
    • Smart Ceramic Bakeware
    • Explore All Bakeware
    • Smart Silicone Bakeware
    • Smart Stack Bakeware
    • Space Saving Bakeware
    • Weighing & Measuring
  • Cookware

    Weighing & Measuring

    Award Winning Bakeware

    • Explore All Cookware
    • Aluminium Can-to-Pan
    • Stainless Steel All-in-One
    • Casserole Dishes & Stockpots
    • Cookware Accessories
    • Frying Pans & Woks
    • Gifts
    • Explore All Cookware
    • Grill & Griddle Pans
    • Induction Ready Cookware
    • Pancake Day
    • Roasting
    • Saucepans
    • Summer Cooking
  • Tools & Gadgets

    Weighing & Measuring

    Award Winning Bakeware

    • Explore All Tools & Gadgets
    • BBQ Tools
    • Blowtorches & Lighters
    • Can Openers
    • Chippers & Ricers
    • Colanders, Sieves & Sifters
    • Egg Utensils
    • Fruit & Vegetable Tools
    • Garlic Presses
    • Explore All Tools & Gadgets
    • Mashers
    • Meat & Fish Tools
    • Peelers
    • Pestles & Mortars
    • Pizza Cutters
    • Serving Tools
    • Skimmers
    • Explore All Tools & Gadgets
    • Smart Tools
    • Soft Grip Tools
    • Spoons
    • Thermometers
    • Timers
    • Tongs & Turners
    • Whisks
  • Space Saving

    Weighing & Measuring

    Award Winning Bakeware

    • Explore All Space Saving
    • Bakeware
    • Cookware
    • Cutting
    • Tools & Gadgets
    • Utility
    • Weighing & Measuring
  • Knives & Cutting

    Weighing & Measuring

    Award Winning Bakeware

    • Explore All Knives & Cutting
    • Carving
    • Cheese Knives & Planers
    • Chopping Boards
    • Edgekeeper
    • Graters
    • Hachoirs & Cutters
    • Explore All Knives & Cutting
    • Individual Knives
    • Knife Blocks
    • Knife Safety
    • Mandolines & Choppers
    • Scissors
    • Sharpeners
    • Explore All Knives & Cutting
    • Tipless Knives
  • Salt & Pepper

    Weighing & Measuring

    Award Winning Bakeware

    • Explore All Salt & Pepper
    • Coloured Capstan Mills
    • Copper Mills
    • Electronic Mills
    • Wooden Mills
  • Tabletop & Serving

    Weighing & Measuring

    Award Winning Bakeware

    • Explore All Tabletop & Serving
    • Cutlery
    • Fondue Sets
    • Food Warmers
    • Oil & Vinegar
    • Serving Accessories
    • Serving Boards
    • Explore All Tabletop & Serving
    • Serving Pans & Baskets
  • Accessories

    Weighing & Measuring

    Award Winning Bakeware

    • Explore All Accessories
    • Cleaning
    • Flasks
    • Kettles
    • Oven Gloves
    • Storage

Weighing & Measuring

Award Winning Bakeware

  • Close

    Search over 500 products!

  • Close

    Search over 500 products!

For the Love of Chocolate

Posted on 6th April 2022

Home > MasterClass Recipes & Gift Guides > For the Love of Chocolate

Chocolate is a guilty pleasure that we all love to enjoy, there’s no doubt about that. Nothing beats the flavour and feeling of smooth, creamy chocolate melting in your mouth - so gloriously decadent and absolutely irresistible. 

For anybody with a real weakness for all things chocolate, happiness comes in an array of shapes, sizes and flavours; from the humble Dairy Milk bar to carefully-crafted artisan chocolates… the sky's the limit. Baked into a cake, spread on toast or enjoyed on its own, we can’t get enough of the stuff. 

But just because we like to indulge in chocolate, it doesn’t mean we know what we’re eating. In fact, how much do you actually know about it? We’ve taken a deep dive into the origins and types of chocolate - and come up with some great ways you can satisfy your cravings, too. 

How is Chocolate Made?

Chocolate is made from the fruit of the cacao trees, which originate from Central and South America. Now cultivated in tropical areas all over the world, this pod-like fruit contains cocoa beans, which form the basis of chocolate.

These seeds must first be fermented, roasted and ground before they even start to resemble what we know as chocolate. Cocoa solids are the resulting ground beans that give chocolate a rich flavour, which are then pressed to release the natural fats into cocoa butter.

The different types of chocolate all come down to the percentage of cocoa solids and butter that the final product contains, compared to the percentage of sugar, milk solids, and other added ingredients.

What are the Different Types of Chocolate? 

The basic blends, from richest to milkiest flavour, are as follows:

Dark 

Dark chocolate is typically made from a higher percentage of cocoa solids, meaning all of the fat content comes from the cocoa butter itself instead of milk. Deep brown to black in colour, the lack of dairy and  reduced amounts of added sugar gives dark chocolate a firm texture and a slightly bitter taste.

With good melting properties and an intense flavour, dark chocolate is usually the first choice for cooking and baking.

Milk 

Light brown in colour, milk chocolate has a creamy texture and a sweet mild flavour. It’s formed from a base of cocoa butter, cocoa solids and either powdered or condensed milk. 

Mostly used as an eating chocolate, it also makes good decoration for baking in the form of chocolate chips and chunks.

White 

White chocolate is made from cocoa butter and milk without the cocoa solids. Pale ivory in flavour, white chocolate has a melt-in-the-mouth texture and a buttery flavour with notes of vanilla.

White chocolate is available in bars and chips and very often used in desserts.

Recipes to Satisfy a Sweet Tooth

Ultimate Hot Chocolate

Nothing beats a homemade hot chocolate on a cold winter’s day. Forget about the watery stuff, once you make your own, you’ll never look back. The real deal should be thick and rich, just like a liquid pudding!

Hot chocolate looks stunning in La Cafetière Double Wall Hot Chocolate Glasses. These are made of heat-resistant borosilicate glass, so your drink will keep warm for longer - and your hands won’t burn.

Dark Chocolate and Raspberry Brownies

Is there anything better in this world than freshly made, slightly warm brownies? This recipe combines rich dark chocolate with fresh raspberries to create a moreish cake you won't want to share!

The MasterClass Non-Stick 12 Hole Brownie Pan is especially designed for the job, to help you achieve the perfect brownies - soft in the middle with lovely crispy edges.

Decadent Chocolate Cake

When it comes to celebrating special occasions, there is nothing better than serving up a delicious chocolate cake! This recipe is simple enough for an indulgent afternoon tea but special enough for a party.

Master the perfect chocolate cake with a light and fluffy sponge and a rich buttercream filling using the MasterClass Non-Stick 18cm Loose Base Spring Form Cake Pan and take your dessert to the next level.

Indulgent Chocolate Fondue

There is something so satisfying about dipping things into hot, melted chocolate. A decadent fondue is a great way to end a romantic meal for two on Valentine’s day or entertain family gatherings and special celebrations with friends. 

Ready to host a night to share a fun experience with your loved ones? Impress your guests with the MasterClass Cast Iron Enamelled Black Fondue Set and keep the chocolate bubbling while everyone is dipping in.

  • Seasonal Vegetables Guide

    Read More
  • Cook with confidence with

    MASTERCLASS

  • Homemade nduja with orzo pasta

    Read More
  • Treacle and Raisin Bread

    Read More

Feeling inspired to cook? Explore our extensive range of products.

Explore the range
MasterClass

Join our mailing list for exclusive news and offers

  • Follow us on Instagram
  • Find us on Facebook
  • Follow us on YouTube
View our Privacy Policy

Useful Guides

  • Videos
  • Recipes
  • Food Stories
  • Gift Guides

About Us

  • The MasterClass Story
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • YouTube

Helpful Links

  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • Sitemap
  • Social Competition Terms

Contact

  • Contact Us
  • Become a Stockist
  • Trade Enquiries
  • Find a Store

Lifetime Brands Europe Limited, KitchenCraft, The Hub, Nobel Way, Birmingham, B6 7EU
© 2022 MasterClass. eCommerce by blubolt.

This site uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience and to show you relevant content. If you’re OK with that, just continue. To find out more, please review our cookie and privacy policy.

Lifetime Brands Europe Limited, KitchenCraft, The Hub, Nobel Way, Birmingham, B6 7EU
© 2022 MasterClass. eCommerce by blubolt.

This site uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience and to show you relevant content. If you’re OK with that, just continue. To find out more, please review our cookie and privacy policy.