While chocolate makers craft chocolate from cocoa beans, chocolatiers typically create bonbons using premade chocolate. This allows them to focus on flavor combinations, design, and the art of confectionery. A bonbon is more than just a piece of chocolate; it’s a small, exquisite confection that showcases the chocolatier’s skill and creativity. But what exactly defines a bonbon? Let’s dive into the details.
Deconstructing the Bonbon: Shell, Filling, and Artistry
The classic bonbon consists of a chocolate shell with a flavorful filling. This shell is made from tempered chocolate, ensuring a smooth, glossy finish and a satisfying snap when bitten. The filling can be anything from a simple ganache (a mixture of chocolate and cream) to caramel, fruit purees, nuts, or liqueurs. The possibilities are endless, allowing chocolatiers to experiment with a wide range of flavors and textures.
The creation of a bonbon is a meticulous process. Many chocolatiers use molds to shape their bonbons, often decorating the molds with colored cocoa butter before adding the chocolate. This allows for intricate designs and vibrant colors, turning each bonbon into a tiny work of art. The process of creating molded bonbons involves several steps:
- Decorating the molds: Chocolatiers use cocoa butter to paint the molds with unique and artful designs.
- Shell creation: Tempered chocolate is poured into the mold to create a perfect shell, usually by filling the mold and then inverting it to remove the excess. This ensures a thin, even coating.
- Filling: The chosen filling, such as ganache or caramel, is carefully piped into the chocolate shell.
- Bottoming: More chocolate is added to seal the bonbon, creating a solid base. The excess chocolate is scraped off.
Beyond the Mold: Decoration and Presentation
While molded bonbons are common, chocolatiers also employ other techniques. Some choose to focus on the purity of the chocolate and the flavors of the filling, opting for a simple, undecorated bonbon. Others use techniques like dipping or enrobing, coating fillings in chocolate.
The decoration of a bonbon is another opportunity for artistic expression. Some chocolatiers use gold leaf, edible flowers, or other decorative elements to enhance the visual appeal of their creations. The key to a good bonbon is balance: a thin, even chocolate shell, harmonious flavors, and no air pockets.
Tips for Buying and Enjoying Bonbons
When purchasing bonbons, consider the following tips to ensure a delightful experience:
- Support Local Chocolatiers: Buying locally made chocolates supports your community.
- Inspect for Perfection: Look for bonbons with smooth, glossy shells, free from leaks or air bubbles.
- Ask Questions: Engage with the chocolatier to learn about the chocolate and ingredients used in their bonbons. Understanding the origin and quality of the ingredients enhances the appreciation of the final product.
By understanding the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into making a bonbon, you can fully appreciate these delightful chocolate candies.
