That luscious brown candy we know as chocolate originates with the cacao tree from Central America. Cacao pods were picked by the ancient Aztecs and Mayans to process into a powder. This powder was mixed with spices and made into a frothy, bitter drink. The word "chocolate" comes from xocoatl or chocoatl, which means, "foam water."
When the Spanish discovered the people of Mexico, they were treated to this drink. They took it back to Spain, where cooks created new recipes with it. Spain kept it a well-hidden secret for about 100 years. Once the rest of Europe learned about it, drinking hot chocolate became very popular among the rich and powerful. Over the next 300 years, the well-to-do in Europe drank their hot drink in special dishes designed just for this beverage. These sets are very hard to find today.
The Europeans added sugar, cinnamon and other spices to their hot chocolate drinks. Sweetened hot chocolate became popular throughout Europe. Hot chocolate was made by melting hardened chocolate in cream. To keep the stock available, many plantations were established to grow cacao. They were staffed by both paid laborers and slaves.
In the 1800s, mass production was introduced to the industry. More people had access to it and it became an affordable treat. Inventions like the cocoa press made it possible to make creamy, smooth treats that could be eaten as well as liquid versions for drinking.
Chocolate desserts became popular all over the world. Cakes, pies, candies and more were made with chocolate. Mexican desserts also took advantage of the new forms available. The place where it has always been grown and harvested has taken advantage of many of the new methods of processing.
It has more uses than ever before. Not only do we enjoy it as a snack and for dessert, many chemicals from it are now used in medications and cosmetics. The leftover by-products from its production are used to feed cattle.
During processing, cacao beans are fermented first, then dried, cleaned up and roasted before being ground into powder. Dark chocolate is constantly touted for its health benefits now. The more cacao in it, the better it is.
It is now associated with several holidays throughout the year. Valentine's Day is often greeted with a heart-shaped box full of it. Chocolate bunnies and eggs are given to children at Easter. Halloween is full of all kinds of candy, most of which have at least some form of it added to them. Hanukkah and Christmas have many chocolate treats incorporated in the celebration of these holidays. It has become very important in the courtship rituals of many countries. Men give women gifts of it and flowers to show their affection.
You can now get three types of it: dark, milk, and white. All forms of brown chocolate get their coloring from the cocoa solids used to make them. Dark versions have more of a bitter taste, while milk versions have been sweetened. White chocolate is not considered to be true chocolate by many people since it contains no cocoa solids, only cocoa butter.
When the Spanish discovered the people of Mexico, they were treated to this drink. They took it back to Spain, where cooks created new recipes with it. Spain kept it a well-hidden secret for about 100 years. Once the rest of Europe learned about it, drinking hot chocolate became very popular among the rich and powerful. Over the next 300 years, the well-to-do in Europe drank their hot drink in special dishes designed just for this beverage. These sets are very hard to find today.
The Europeans added sugar, cinnamon and other spices to their hot chocolate drinks. Sweetened hot chocolate became popular throughout Europe. Hot chocolate was made by melting hardened chocolate in cream. To keep the stock available, many plantations were established to grow cacao. They were staffed by both paid laborers and slaves.
In the 1800s, mass production was introduced to the industry. More people had access to it and it became an affordable treat. Inventions like the cocoa press made it possible to make creamy, smooth treats that could be eaten as well as liquid versions for drinking.
Chocolate desserts became popular all over the world. Cakes, pies, candies and more were made with chocolate. Mexican desserts also took advantage of the new forms available. The place where it has always been grown and harvested has taken advantage of many of the new methods of processing.
It has more uses than ever before. Not only do we enjoy it as a snack and for dessert, many chemicals from it are now used in medications and cosmetics. The leftover by-products from its production are used to feed cattle.
During processing, cacao beans are fermented first, then dried, cleaned up and roasted before being ground into powder. Dark chocolate is constantly touted for its health benefits now. The more cacao in it, the better it is.
It is now associated with several holidays throughout the year. Valentine's Day is often greeted with a heart-shaped box full of it. Chocolate bunnies and eggs are given to children at Easter. Halloween is full of all kinds of candy, most of which have at least some form of it added to them. Hanukkah and Christmas have many chocolate treats incorporated in the celebration of these holidays. It has become very important in the courtship rituals of many countries. Men give women gifts of it and flowers to show their affection.
You can now get three types of it: dark, milk, and white. All forms of brown chocolate get their coloring from the cocoa solids used to make them. Dark versions have more of a bitter taste, while milk versions have been sweetened. White chocolate is not considered to be true chocolate by many people since it contains no cocoa solids, only cocoa butter.
About the Author:
Mexican dessert recipes like horchata ice cream can give you and the family a wonderful, creamy taste to relieve the heat from your main meal. Made with rice, cinnamon, brown sugar, heavy cream and vanilla, this dessert is sure to please. Sprinkle with chopped pecans to add texture.
