Hi, all!

In looking at recipes, Rose often calls for “bittersweet” or “extra bittersweet” chocolate in frostings or ganache.  What percentages do you generally consider these to be?  For example, the Milk Chocolate Buttercream (p. 250) calls for 454 g. milk + 227g “dark chocolate, preferably extra bittersweet or bittersweet.” 

Okay, in looking for another example, I noticed on the Light Whipped Ganache (p. 268 of TCB) she gives the following:

> semisweet - 53%
> extra bittersweet - 60%

And I note that on the Chocolate Cream Glaze, she mentions semisweet & bittersweet are both 53%, so these terms are interchangeable.

So I have answered my own question.

Meanwhile, I hope this rambling will prove helpful to someone else!

—ak

I always go by the percentage range that she includes in the recipes when buying chocolate.

Yes, and I definitely wanted to!  The Milk Chocolate buttercream didn’t specify, so I was suddenly nervous about the general terms.  Then, searching for other examples, I found the specifications, and I am now content again.  Left to my own devices (which can be dubious), I would have gone way too dark, so I’m glad I found them elsewhere!!

Just found the chart on p424 of TCB…

Anne in NC - 11 August 2010 10:50 AM

And I note that on the Chocolate Cream Glaze, she mentions semisweet & bittersweet are both 53%, so these terms are interchangeable.

Depends on the manufacturer.  I use Callebaut and their semisweet is about 52% and their bittersweet is 60%.  I generally consider them interchangeable.

Depends on the manufacturer.

Oh, yeah, I dig that.  I was looking for how Rose sees these terms so I get the right stuff for the recipe.  Mucho thanks!!!

Just a quick question Anne, I am just curious.  Your profile name is Anne in NC, what does the NC stand for?  Is it North Carolina?

Is it North Carolina?

Yes, Charlotte, NC, in fact.

I drove through Charlotte, NC a few years ago heading to South Carolina for a week at the beach.

I drove through Charlotte, NC

No doubt a traffic nightmare!!!  Hope you had fun at the beach—I’ve never been, myself!!!  What was your point of origin?