Today's chocolate is made mostly in large factories where sophisticated equipment roasts, grinds, presses, refines, and tempers chocolate. It is then made into bars, filled candies (bon bins), and chips. Images of Lucy in the show I Love Lucy come to mind. It's worth watching the classic episode featuring her working at a chocolate factory where she can't keep up with the speed of the conveyor belt whizzing chocolates by her. She ends up stuffing her mouth full of the reject pieces at an alarming rate.
What you may not know, is that there is a real science to chocolate making. Various brands employ workers in their labs who blend various exotic cacao seeds to create a signature flavor. Just as prices range from those found in the candy isle to those of a fancy chocolate boutique, so do the flavors, textures, and visual appeal.
This chocolate connoisseur has tested a variety of chocolates from around the world, and I have my personal favorites! See The Good Stuff, for more details.
