Watch Willie's Chocolate Revolution

Willie's Chocolate Revolution is a television show presented by Willie Harcourt-Cooze. The show explores the world of chocolate, from its origin to its transformation into chocolate bars. Channel 4 produced this show in collaboration with Harcourt-Cooze, who is an artisanal chocolate maker.

In the show, Harcourt-Cooze tries to revolutionize the way chocolate is made and consumed. He talks about the cultural and economic significance of chocolate and how it is vital to the livelihoods of thousands of farmers around the world. Harcourt-Cooze's passion for chocolate is apparent in the show, and he wants to educate people about the potential of chocolate beyond simply being a delicious treat.

The show is split into six episodes that cover different aspects of chocolate production. In the first episode, Harcourt-Cooze introduces the history of chocolate and talks about its importance to several cultures worldwide. His passion for the topic is evident, and he makes the subject captivating even for those who might not necessarily think about chocolate beyond the chocolate candy bars they enjoy.

The second episode of the show focuses on the process of transforming cocoa beans into chocolate. Harcourt-Cooze shows the viewers what goes into making chocolate, from roasting the beans to separating the husk from the nibs. The episode ends with Harcourt-Cooze creating chocolate from the beans, which he then transforms into a variety of recipes.

In the third episode, Harcourt-Cooze investigates the chocolate industry and explains the problems with mass-produced chocolate. He visits a factory in the hope of seeing first-hand the process of making mass-produced chocolate, but the doors are firmly closed. Instead, he visits a free-trade cocoa farming cooperative in West Africa that produces high-quality cocoa beans. He interviews the farmers and learns about the struggles they face to sell their products.

The fourth episode explores why chocolate is so expensive and how it is possible to buy great-tasting chocolate that is also ethical. Harcourt-Cooze visits a chocolate factory in Grenada that produces fine chocolate using the highest quality cocoa beans. He also meets with a team of craftsmen who make chocolate in their small shop in Brooklyn, New York, using unusual ingredients.

In the fifth episode, Harcourt-Cooze delves into the world of chocolate and wine pairing. He meets with sommeliers who help him determine the best chocolate for specific wines. Harcourt-Cooze also attends a chocolate festival in Amsterdam and tries various chocolate-based treats.

The final episode sees Harcourt-Cooze attempting to create a chocolate bar that is entirely ethical and environmentally friendly. He experiments with different ingredients and processes until he produces a bar that he is satisfied with. Harcourt-Cooze then visits a chocolate factory in Switzerland, where he sees the end result of years of experimentation with chocolate.

Overall, Willie's Chocolate Revolution is a fascinating show that blends history, culture, and industry. It is a show for anyone who is interested in chocolate or wants to know more about food production. The show is well-produced and offers a wealth of information about the chocolate industry that is rare to find. Willie Harcourt-Cooze is an expert at his craft, and his passion for chocolate is infectious. The show offers something for everyone, from chocolate fans to those who want to learn more about ethical food production.