Search Results for: chocolatier

Award-Winning: Best Luxury Easter Egg 2024 Easter is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than indulging in the finest luxury chocolate eggs from Melt Chocolates? We have handpicked and tasted our best luxury Easter eggs for 2024, and here are our top recommendations and why we recommend them: Lotus Easter Egg (£69.99) Melt Chocolate’s Lotus Easter Egg redefines luxury with its decadent fusion of flavors and inspiration drawn from The White Lotus. From the rich depths of dark chocolate with hazelnuts to the refreshing burst of coconut, every bite promises an unparalleled experience. With its exquisite design reminiscent of a blossoming lotus flower, this indulgent egg is a true treasure trove of chocolate bliss—a must-have for discerning connoisseurs seeking the ultimate Easter indulgence. ‘There’s plenty to discover in this supersize egg, making it great for sharing. It’s got a hefty price tag at £69.99, but also adds up to a whopping 1kg of chocolate – actually making it impressive value per gram for a luxury chocolate, all handmade in London.’ – BBC Good Foods Thank you to BBC Good Food who rated our egg among the ’17 best Easter eggs to buy 2024, taste tested’, Town and Country and to Square Meal for rating the Lotus Egg one of the ‘The best Easter eggs 2024‘. 2. Coconut Easter Egg (£34.99) If you are looking for a taste of the tropics, the Coconut Easter egg is the perfect choice. Made with creamy 38% milk chocolate and desiccated coconut, this egg will transport you to a sunny island. The coconut flavor is subtle, and the egg is not too sweet, making it a great option for those who prefer less sugary treats. ‘If you’re that person that eats all the leftover Bounty bars from a box of Celebrations, this coconut egg could be just what you’re looking for this Easter. Bonus points to beloved Notting Hill chocolatiers Melt, who’ve done a bang up job of making this look like a real coconut.’ – Square Meal ‘The best Easter eggs 2024’ 3. Magnolia Easter Egg (£69.99) Melt’s Magnolia Easter egg – it’s like unwrapping a blooming flower, but way tastier! Pull up the lid and watching the petals unfold, revealing 14 luscious chocolate wedges infused with vanilla, raspberry, and a hint of rose. And the best part? The packaging is hand-painted to capture the dreamy vibes of those pink and cream Magnolia petals. It’s like a taste of springtime luxury in every bite!     4.  Sea Salt Milk Chocolate Easter Egg (£27.49) The Sea Salt Milk Chocolate Easter egg is a classic and never disappoints. The 45% milk chocolate has a perfect balance of sweetness and rich cocoa flavor, enhanced by the delicate flakes of Maldon sea salt. The packaging is sleek, and the egg is a great value for its size. 5. Acorn Nut Easter Egg (£38.49) For those who appreciate nutty flavors, the Acorn Nut Easter egg is a must-try. Made with 50% dark chocolate, roasted almonds, this egg has a lovely crunch and a rich, nutty taste. The packaging is also stunning, with an elegant crown of acorn on top of the egg. This Easter egg was recommended by Olive Magazine Best Luxury Easter […]

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Experience the Power and Pleasure of Chocolate “The noblest pleasure is the joy of understanding.” Leonardo Da Vinci I. Learn about Chocolate Learning is the only thing the mind never exhausts, never fears, and never regrets. So join a melt experience and learn all about chocolate. Chocolate is both the best known and the least known food on earth. Chocolate covers an enormous range of different types of food, from 100 per cent raw cocoa all the way to white chocolate, which has greater similarity to a sweet than it does to proper chocolate. From a bitter-tasting live drink, with energising and aphrodisiacal properties, used for religious rituals to a sweet creamy caramel chocolate made by machines in a modern industrial factory. The variety of chocolate is actually quite astonishing. Chocolate also has changed dramatically over time and by location – think of American chocolate versus European chocolate. The journey chocolate takes from the Amazon to your kitchen table is amazing – but little understood or known. Melt’s Chocolate Path follows this journey all the way to Chocolate transcendence. You will see for yourself the transformation of chocolate from “bean-to-bar” or “bean-to-bonbon”. Enjoy learning about chocolate. Melt’s experiences and workshops aim to teach you all there is to know about chocolate whilst you enjoy tasting it and whilst you enjoy transforming it in a “hands-on experience” and practical experience. . Chocolate Immersion Travel through time and taste history Lets wind back the clock to a time when chocolate was worshipped – when chocolate was considered sacred and was the preserve of only society’s elites – high priests and the Royal Courts. The process of transforming chocolate from bean-to-bar will have a life changing impact on you. Many of our clients leave our classes with lessons that will last a life time. “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn” – so immerse yourself in chocolate and learn how to achieve transcendence through chocolate. Over 800 5***** Star Reviews Melt chocolates has over 800 5 star reviews for the “Best Cookery Classes in London” – the ”Best Experience in London” and a “magical chocolate workshop” in Notting Hill. Classes which will explain and teach you all about the various forms of chocolate and how chocolate is made. What our guests say about melt’s experiences. In their words: “The chocolate tasting was exceptional, an experience which has left me with stories that I will continue to tell people for a very long time. “ .The bonbons we made were put in beautiful boxes to take home with us. Overall, a perfect experience for a date night. “a deliciously different thing to do! Would highly recommend! Absolutely amazing!!!” “I had a fabulous morning- felt like a kid again” We learned about History of Cocoa with a great French man. What a passion !!!! I NEVER WILL FORGET THIS 1 HOUR OF MY LIFE. THANKS FRENCH TEACHER AND ALL THE GREAT STAFFS. THE HOT CHOCOLATE WAS THE BEST I HAD IN LIFE. “A fun, unique culinary experience. I never knew so much about chocolate.. A hands on class, literally chocolate by immersion. We made beautiful, artistic chocolates, and then we got to […]

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Introducing NEW Botanical ‘Book of Nuts’: Chocolate and Nut Collection   Perfect Gift for Gardeners and Plant Lovers   “A Chocolate Book is A Dream You Can Taste” Melt is proud to introduce our NEW Botanical Book ‘The Book of Nuts’ collection. This Chocolate and Nut collection was inspired by the incredible botanical illustrations of the English Biologist Marianne North which can be viewed in Kew Gardens. This Botanical gift box contains the most delicious natural and organic flavours handmade by our specialised chocolatiers in the heart of London. Nut Filled Bars enrobed in delicious chocolate behind each illustration. If you are looking for gift ideas for gardeners, then we have created the perfect edible garden chocolate selection. Behind each botanical illustration there is delicious, luxury chocolate bar that contains fresh and organic nut fillings. Melt wishes for you to admire the beauty of the nuts in all their floral glory, while simultaneously enjoying the decadent chocolate and nut flavours. We have designed this chocolate and nut book so that you can have the best chocolate tasting experience right in the comfort of your own home! Melt’s ethos is eco-friendly and sustainable, so this botanical book is completely plastic-free. Discover the incredible flavours of the divine chocolate and nut pairings, while learning this the name, origin and a brief story of the nut. This illustrated botanical collection perfect gift for gardeners!       Chocolate Tasting Experience: Nut and Chocolate Pairings   Experience the bounty of nature   Melt will take you on a botanical journey of exploration, discovery and flavour.  The Romantics discovered that nature was sublime – so enjoy the taste of nature’s nutty bounty enrobed in decadent chocolate. Experience the bounty of nature as Melt has search for the best nut and chocolate pairings.   Tasting Guide While enjoying eight exquisite nut and chocolate combinations handmade by our world-class chocolatiers, join Melt on a botanical journey through time to exotic and wonderful locations. By eating our chocolates, whether with your friends, family or by yourself, we want you to experience the wonder of discovery of these plants, their exciting flavours, exotic locations and particularly their sensational taste. Every bite will transport you to a new and exciting world of sensory delight…Imagine you are in the lush forests and jungles where these nuts grew from flowers to scrumptious treats.   Botanical Beauty At Melt, our mission is for you to experience chocolate, not just enjoy its amazing taste. This hand-illustrated book encourages you to explore the natural beauty and extraordinary flavour of plants. The Melt Chocolates creative team has hand-painted eight beautiful botanical illustrations, each featuring a gorgeous nut. Paired with each illustration is an amazing chocolate bar filled with the divine nut Melt has illustrated in the painting.  Each illustrated painting comes with a description which allows you to rediscover the wonder of the natural world.   Botanical History of Nuts At Melt Chocolates, we believe the more you know about what you are eating the better! The incredible botanical history and origin of these nuts helps to elevate the elements of flavour as you taste your chocolate and nut pairings. It helps to imagine where they are from, what environment they thrive […]

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No-Sugar Christmas: Navigating Festive Treats with Melt Chocolates Indulgence without compromise, delight without guilt – that’s the essence of a sugar-free Christmas at Melt Chocolates. For those navigating a sugar-conscious lifestyle or seeking thoughtful gifts for friends with dietary restrictions, our exquisite range of sugar-free delights is a revelation. Amidst the festive cheer, it’s possible to relish the richness of chocolate without the sugar overload. Our collection boasts an array of enticing options tailored to diverse tastes. Whether your preference leans towards the robust intensity of dark chocolate or the creamy allure of milk chocolate, Melt has crafted a tantalizing solution for you. For a delicious no-Sugar Christmas Gift, consider our Milk Chocolate Sugar-Free bar, an embodiment of creamy indulgence without compromising on taste. Its rich, velvety texture and nuanced flavors make it a delectable treat for anyone watching their sugar intake. Equally enticing is our Dark Chocolate Sugar-Free bar, exuding bold flavors and embodying the finest cocoa, a testament to luxury without the sugar rush. For those with a penchant for nutty flavors, our sugar-free milk chocolate hazelnut bar is a divine choice. Packed with the goodness of hazelnuts and the smoothness of sugar-free milk chocolate, it’s a gift that embodies both taste and health. Explore the Sugar-Free Chocolate Library, a treasure trove of delights crafted to redefine the boundaries of sugar-free indulgence. From bars to delightful confections, each offering echoes our commitment to quality, taste, and wellness. The benefits of indulging in sugar-free chocolates extend beyond mere taste. Scientifically proven, these treats offer an array of advantages that go beyond satisfying a sweet tooth. From improved mood and mental clarity to aiding weight management and nurturing heart health, our sugar-free chocolates are a symphony of taste and wellness. This Christmas, elevate your No-Sugar Christmas Gift experience with Melt Chocolates’ sugar-free delights. Embrace the joy of giving while ensuring your loved ones revel in the pleasure of luxurious chocolate, guilt-free and brimming with healthful goodness. Our sugar-free products can be ordered on Amazon or on Deliveroo if you are based in London. All of our chocolates our hand-made by professional chocolatiers in the heart of Notting Hill, London. Fresh and sublime our chocolates are handcrafted in Notting Hill by Melt’s world-class chocolatiers. Our Luxury Chocolate Best Sellers are boxed in beautiful minimalist-designed packaging which is plastic-free and sustainable to help our environment. […]

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Holland Park Palace Advent Calendar Holland Park Palace 2023  Kindness is like white snow – purifying and beautifying everything it touches. Melt’s Winter Palace advent calendar house is that magical gift of kindness that will beautify and give pleasure to everyone it touches this Christmas.    Melt’s Holland Park Palace is the Ultimate Advent Calendar. The best chocolate advent calendar you can get this Christmas – Melt’s most luxury chocolate advent calendar. A chocolate gift for the family and friends to share and enjoy. This London 2023 advent calendar is packed full of over £300 worth of chocolate, including hot chocolate, artisan bonbons, orangettes and more.  Melt’s London Advent calendar delights you every day as a new chocolate marks the countdown to Christmas. This Advent Calendar is the Christmas Centrepiece – almost the size of a Holland Park palace and is filled with the most amazing artisan chocolate. It’s completely plastic-free and you can refill it year after year so that you can recycle and avoid any waste. Sustainability is a big part of our ethos at Melt Chocolates.  It really is the most beautiful advent calendar you will have ever seen. It‘s designed in-house and is based on Kensington palace in Chelsea. Melt has redesigned the Christmas hamper – so why not send a palace instead? Melt doesn’t do boring. Thats why we have a beautiful design both on the inside and the outside. Unlike most calendars that have beautiful exteriors – but seem to run out of creativity when you open them – Melt Calendars are beautiful on the inside and outside. The Winter Ball Imagine a winter ball in a winter palace. Step into a fairytale winter ball, everything sparkling like freshly fallen snow on a frosty night. Snowflakes and laughter fill the air -there’s magic in every footstep. Dancing, drinking and feasting. Snow glistening outside, chandeliers ablaze. Swirling ball gowns and a feast in a Winter palace. Melt’s Holland Park advent calendar evokes this timeless winter palace. Making merry with an amazing assortment of chocolates arriving in a fairy tale palace. If Snowflakes are kisses from heaven then melt’s Chocolate is a kiss from the tropical sun,  that melt in your mouth – the very origin of our name: Melt. Think of the tropical sunlight, captured by a cocoa tree in the amazon,  releasing its energy to you,  bringing a little sunshine to your winter nights. Feast on our Winter Palace filled with amazing chocolate and dream of a winter ball.  Gift the Holland Park calendar and let the ice of heart melts.   Inside the Holland Park Palace Inside this luxury artisan advent calendar are all of Melt’s fabulous best sellers: Orangettes Fresh Chocolates Gianduja Spread Gianduja Dark and Milk Terrines Christmas Bar Hot Chocolate Caddy   The advent calendar really is the size of a small house! Melt is the only chocolate company to be headquartered, retail and make all our chocolates within the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea – hence why we have chosen to make our advent calendar like Kensington Palace. Our artisan advent calendar is the Best of British handmade luxury and craftsmanship. Designed in-house by our small team of creatives in Holland Park, we wanted to […]

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Secret Symbolism behind the 12 Days of Christmas In this blog article we will be exploring the secret symbolism behind Melt Chocolate’s 12 Days of Christmas advent calendar, and delving into the religious and cultural history of England during the Reformation. “The most beautiful advent calendar we have ever seen” The Independent “…I actually gasped when I opened the package because it’s a work of art and the most beautiful calendar I’ve ever seen…” Vegan Living Handpainted Art – Handcrafted Chocolate The Art of Chocolate This handpainted calendar by the Melt team combines our love of art and our love of chocolate. Two of our greatest passions. The chocolate is hand crafted by our chocolatiers and the artwork handpainted by our talented team of in-house artists. The Advent Calendar is not only really beautiful but it also has a secret meaning. A secret code that represented the difference between life and death. So enjoy the chocolate and also discover the secrets of The Twelve Days of Christmas. This is the Luxury Advent Calendar at its best. The secret code behind the song ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ To understand the secret code – and its context lets try a thought experiment… Imagine if tomorrow, Charles III declared that Druidism is Britain’s only true religion. As Charles III is Head of the Church of England – all Churches would automatically become places of worship for the Druids.  The Druids doctrine would therefore immediately become the official religion of the UK.  The Druid’s doctrine is that human souls “are immortal and after a prescribed number of years they commence a new life in a new body.” This would become the new religious orthodoxy. We might also worship plants and may even be encouraged to talk to them!! As King Charles is known to do. Stonehenge would become the new Westminster Cathedral. Anybody found following the “old” Protestant religion would be at risk of persecution, even death. Charles III would create a network of pursuivants or spies to find and persecute these recusant protestants. In this atmosphere of religious tension, Charles III would make it High Treason for a Protestant priest to even enter England and anyone found aiding and abetting that priest would be punished severely.  Priest-hunters or ‘pursuivants’ would roam the country in search of Church of England priests and would measure the footprint of any houses from the outside and the inside to see if they tallied; they would count the windows outside and again from the inside; they would tap on the walls to see if they were hollow and they would tear up floorboards to search underneath. They would be looking for Church of England Priests in their carefully constructed Priest holes, hidden by the population not convinced about this new religion or the Druids in general. Sounds ridiculous – well that’s exactly what Henry VIII and Elizabeth I did to Britain during the reformation and this is exactly the situation the Catholics found themselves. Things got very extreme very quickly, for even fancy clothes could lead you to being accused of being  Spanish or a Jesuit. Prancing around in Silks could put you in prison. According to the new orthodoxy and the pursuivants […]

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Personalised Small Chocolate Gift Boxes Are the Perfect Gift When it comes to gift-giving, few things can convey love and thoughtfulness as effortlessly as a box of chocolates. But what if you could take that sentiment a step further and create a truly unique and personalised chocolate gift box? Enter Melt Chocolates’ “Personalised Small Chocolate Gift Box” – a delightful way to show your affection and appreciation. Let’s dive into the delectable world of custom chocolate gifting and explore why these mini chocolate gift boxes are the perfect treat for any occasion. 1. A Symphony of Flavours at Your Fingertips One of the most captivating aspects of Melt Chocolates’ mini chocolate gift boxes is the ability to curate your own selection. With a choice of four flavours from their extensive mini chocolate bar collection, you have the power to tailor your gift to the recipient’s taste buds perfectly. Whether they have a penchant for classic combinations like almond and dark sea salt or a craving for more adventurous flavors like pistachio or almond, Melt Chocolates has something to delight every palate. 2. Personalisation That Truly Matters The act of personalising a gift can transform it from ordinary to extraordinary. Melt Chocolates understands this sentiment well, offering elegant packaging options that ensure your chocolate gift box not only tastes divine but also looks exquisite. Add a personalised message to your box to make it even more special, showing your loved ones that you’ve put thought and care into their gift. 3. Convenience, Care, and Chocolate Delivered to Your Doorstep Life is busy, and sometimes finding the perfect gift can be a challenge. With Melt Chocolates, you can sit back, relax, and let their expert chocolatiers do the work for you. Once you’ve made your selections and personalized your box, they’ll prepare it with utmost care and deliver it right to your doorstep. It’s a hassle-free way to surprise and delight your loved ones – or treat yourself to a moment of chocolatey indulgence. 4. Options for All Dietary Preferences Melt Chocolates has something for everyone, including those with dietary preferences or restrictions. For vegans and sugar-free enthusiasts, they offer delectable dark chocolate options that don’t compromise on flavor. No one should miss out on the joy of fine chocolate, and Melt Chocolates ensures that everyone can enjoy their delicious creations. 5. Sustainable Indulgence In a world that’s becoming increasingly conscious of sustainability, Melt Chocolates is leading the way with their commitment to eco-friendly practices. All their luxury chocolates are handmade by skilled chocolatiers and hand-wrapped in their London kitchen. Plus, their chocolate boxes are plastic-free and sustainable, making your gift not only delicious but also environmentally responsible. 6. More Than Just a Taste: Supporting Local Artisans By choosing Melt Chocolates for your personalized chocolate gift box, you’re not just indulging in gourmet chocolate – you’re supporting local artisans and celebrating the craft of chocolatiers who pour their passion into every creation. With a shelf life of one year, your mini chocolate gift box is a timeless gesture of affection that can be savoured at the recipient’s leisure. And if they happen to discover a new favourite flavour among the mini bars, they can easily find the […]

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What causes chocolate to bloom? Ever wondered why your chocolate bar is covered in mouldy like layer? Like the picture below… It’s all because of something called “chocolate bloom.” When your chocolate goes from warm to cold and back again, it can change its chemical structure. This happens because the cocoa butter in the chocolate melts and separates from the rest of it, making it crystallize and look white on the surface. In this blog, we’ll explain why this happens, what causes it, and whether it’s still okay to eat your chocolate when it looks like this. Let’s demystify the world of chocolate together! Two different types of chocolate bloom So now we know what causes chocolate to bloom, now to identify what type of bloom has occurred. Fat Bloom: Fat bloom in chocolate is caused by the cocoa butter within it. When the cocoa butter melts and then re-solidifies, it can create a dull white coating on the chocolate’s surface, making it lose its usual smoothness and shine. This undesirable effect is known as “fat bloom.” Fat bloom typically happens for two main reasons. Firstly, it can occur due to incorrect tempering, which is the process of ensuring that the cocoa butter crystals are evenly distributed in the chocolate during its melting and solidifying stages. Secondly, fat bloom might happen if you store chocolate at too high a temperature, causing the cocoa butter to melt and rise to the surface. So if you are leaving your chocolate in direct sunlight, in a warm cupboard or even leaving it in your car, you may see chocolate bloom appearing. To prevent fat bloom, choose a cool, dark cupboard away from strong odours to store your chocolate goods. Sugar Bloom: Chocolate afflicted with sugar bloom often develops a rough, whitish surface and a grainy texture. This type of bloom is usually the result of temperature changes or storing chocolate in a humid environment. Temperature shock plays a significant role in sugar bloom. It occurs when you quickly shift chocolate from a warm or hot location (like an open shelf near the oven) to a cold one, such as the fridge. This abrupt change in temperature causes condensation to form on the chocolate’s surface, which then interacts with the sugar in the chocolate, leading to sugar bloom. For instance, if you place your chocolate molds in the fridge right after making them, you risk exposing them to temperature shock. To prevent sugar bloom, allow your chocolates to cool down at room temperature before refrigerating them. Is bloomed chocolate safe to eat?  Yes! Certainly, don’t let good chocolate go to waste. Especially when you were so excited to eat it. It will taste exactly the same, though may have a different texture. If you don’t want to eat it directly, and the thought puts you off. There are many different ways you can use bloomed chocolate. For one, you can melt down the chocolate in some milk and make a delicious hot chocolate. Check out our 3 Luxury Hot Chocolate Recipes for some inspiration. Or if a birthday is coming up, save up the chocolate in the cupboard and use it to make a delicious chocolate cake or brownies. Good […]

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