These weekends are for the ultimate chocolate lover, who wants to indulge their passion and learn hands-on to create hand crafted truffles and perfect pralines. The weekend includes a 2 night stay in one of our suites, breakfast each morning, lunch each day and of course lots of chocolate. These weekend packages are perfect for an anniversary, birthday, special occasion or just a weekend break. 
Itinerary Friday Arrive at Brenton Lodge, check in from 2pm onwards. A light supper will be served from 7pm, you will get a chance to meet fellow chocoholics over a glass of bubbly. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy. Saturday – breakfast from 8am with the first session of the chocolate course starting at 10am, you will be given an informative introduction to the history of chocolate , with different chocolates to taste and compare. We move on learning to create our very own hand-crafted truffles, making a selection of beautiful chocolate ganache, this will allow you to participate hands on, mixing, piping, cutting, coating scrumptious truffles. You will each make approximately 50 truffles. Lunch will be served between 12 and 1pm, and the days class will end around 4pm. Sunday – breakfast from 8am, with the chocolate workshop commencing at 10am.
You will be shown how to make perfect moulded chocolates, they will be made with a variety of gorgeous fillings, (including alcohol), and using some colour techniques, allowing the art of experimentation to begin – unlock your inner artist. Once set your chocolates and truffles are ready for packaging.
Chocolate FAQ's Who takes the chocolate classes: The classes are taken by Sallie Hooper, an experienced chocolatier since 2001. Our company has made handmade chocolates and truffles for reputable chocolate retailers, 5 star hotels, corporates, weddings, events and Air New Zealand premium class passengers up until March 2009, when it was decided to use our experience and talent to open a chocolate school, aimed at chocolate lovers wishing to learn the art of chocolate making. Sallie is constantly updating her skills and is looking forward to introducing participants to the wonders of the latest techniques using colour with chocolate How much is a chocolate weekend: $750.00 nz inclusive of gst and includes, 2 nights accommodation, 2 full breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 supper and glass of bubbly on arrival, chocolate making sessions on Saturday and Sunday , approx 50 truffles, and 50 pralines packaged to go home. Where do the chocolate classes take place: All chocolate sessions take place in our fully operational registered chocolate kitchen, at Brenton Lodge. What dates are available: Do I need to bring anything with me: We provide everything needed on the day, but please wear shoes suitable for working in a commercial kitchen (an apron will be provided) Can I bring someone to watch: Unfortunately we do not have the space for spectators, but if you wish to bring a partner/friend to share your weekend this is possible – email info@brentonlodge.co.nz or call 07 865 8400 for costs. Is this class suitable for children? No – but we are working on a class for a parent and child, making chocolate Xmas decorations – so look out for classes October 2010. Do you sell chocolates: |
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Chocolate Chocolate weekends will run on the following dates: |
| 9/10/April 2010 |
| 16/17/ April 2010 |
| 23/24/April 2010 |
| 7/8/May 2010 |
| 14/15/ May 2010 |
| 21/22 May 2010 |
| 28/29 May 2010 |
| 2/3 July 2010 |
| 9/10 July 2010 |
| 16/17 July 2010 |
| 23/24 July 2010 |
| 30/31 July 2010 |
| 6/7 August 2010 |
| 13/14 August2010 |
| 20/21 August 2010 |
| 27/28 August 2010 |
| 3/4 September 2010 |
| 10/11 September 2010 |
| Price for the chocolate weekend : $NZ 750 inclusive of gst |
