Greetings time traveller!
As we continue to brave the last days of winter, many still seek out a warm hearth to gather around. And what better pairing with a fiery hearth is there than a wintry beverage?
In my years of living history, I've seen people surprised over the fact that our predecessors from hundreds (thousands) of years ago enjoyed chocolate in a variety of forms.
So if you are among those, here is a brief history on chocolate (I gave a presentation on this very subject at the museum a year or two ago).
The earliest known use of chocolate (or cacao) dates back to the Olmec society of modern day Southern Mexico. Aztec and Mayan culture also consumed it, though among the Aztecs, it was consumed only by the ruling class. In Mayan culture, it was obtainable for all. Later, chocolate was introduced to Spain and then later on spread through Europe and other continents through trade. It was quite a popular beverage in early American during the 18th century, served in taverns as well as coffeehouses (the coffee shop is not a new invention).
In the 18th century, it was enjoyed as a beverage, though also used in various food recipes (or receipts as they were called at the time). The receipt books by Hannah Glasse and Amelia Simmons are some of the more popular early American receipt books that included chocolate recipes (receipts).
I discovered American Heritage Chocolate (a company based out of Mars, PA) during my time as a living historian and I have found that it is really is a great way to enjoy chocolate the way it was centuries ago.
I personally like the Gourmet Hot Chocolate Mix (blue bag). I use it as a hot chocolate drink and also as an ingredient in the protein ice cream that I make. The dark chocolate mix (red bag) is also great for baking and I've used it in a few recipes.
My friend Erica was the model for this graphic!
You can buy American Heritage Chocolate at their website (and at your favorite 18th century historic site!). The website also includes some great recipes.
American Heritage Chocolate Website
*******
Thanks for reading! Go on a musical adventure with me
through time where for five days I'll send you a new song or story, and a
personal email from me!
THREE DAY JOURNEY THROUGH TIME:
https://tiffanyapancelticgothicrock.mailchimp.com
+++ FACEBOOK: http://facebook.com/tiffanyapanmusic
+++ WEBSITE: http://tiffanyapan.com
+++ INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/tiffanyapanmusic
SUPPORT THE MUSIC AND STORIES AND BUY ME A COFFEE!
Comments
Post a Comment