As per the explicit foreshadowing in my last entry, we headed straight for Barrie the next morning.
Chelsea Chocolates has earned itself a spot on our itinerary for the past several visits. As our regular runs take place in the late afternoon, the we've always missed out on the factory tours held between 9 AM and 3 PM. We made it a mission to attend this time.
Behind the boutique area is an integrated preparation area equipped with more tools and machinery than thinkable for an independent chocolate shop of its size.
As crafting and packing operations were underway, we were informed of chocolate tempering specifics as well as the science behind various cocoa-based creations.
As crafting and packing operations were underway, we were informed of chocolate tempering specifics as well as the science behind various cocoa-based creations.
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It was learned that storebought chocolate bars contain about 8% cocoa, with the remaining percentage assumed by some sort of "filler" ingredient. Chelsea Chocolate's in-house creations contain 52-53% cocoa (or some amount along those lines that I cannot recall precisely).
As opposed to the traditional tempering method employing a large marble slab and manual labour, the Craighurst establishment utilizes tempering machinery furnished with a rotary device and translating metal bar to produce the same results. Starting temperature of the apparatus was noted to be 40 C, which helps to cool the otherwise dull pieces of chocolate callets, then increase the temperature of the formula for optimal sheen and luminosity.
As usual, we hauled back another season's worth of locally produced, small-batch treats. Household favourites include their signature Ice Wine Truffles and Mom's Crackle - an addicting pouch of chocolate toffee brittle coated with bits of chopped nuts.
The next stops of the day were up in the air: there were strong desires to observe the unpredictable gradients of falll foliage, yet no concrete plans had been confirmed.
We stopped by the makeshift beach at Horseshoe Resort first. Admittedly, it was odd to see a teal-tinted pool-like fixture in the midst of autumn.
Construction in the area had partially ceded in the area; in its place was a paved trail and man-made attraction - both providing a view of the changing scenery and intrepid Treetop Trekking participants.
Eventually, we decided on Port Severn as the lookout destination. Along the route, we caught glimspes of green-yellow-orange medleys.
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Once at Port Severn though, it was discovered that there wasn't much to observe. We took a detour to Potato Island - my suggestion - via an eerie, one-way dirt path.
The scene was primarily residential, so we merely stopped for a look at the lake before diving back into the car. Nimble biters were in abundance, however, I somehow managed to escape unscathed.
Retracing our route back, I suggested to stop once more. This time, I wished to capture a few shots alongside a quiet railway track. (My Track Safety Certificate should still be valid I hope?)
Dusk fell upon us shortly, thus we headed back to assist in the supper setup.
Many families take to lavish turkey dinners, garlic mashed potatoes, and roasted vegetables for the occasion. On the contrary, we tend to save the sophisticated spreads for Christmas instead.
We resorted to a no-fuss meal of hotpot and some seriously tender sous vide prime rib.
We resorted to a no-fuss meal of hotpot and some seriously tender sous vide prime rib.
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Cheers to a "Real Canadian Thanksgiving"!
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