Did you know?
• Cocoa powder is the nonfat solid left over after cocoa butter is extracted from cacao beans.
• Chocolate drinks were first enjoyed by ancient peoples in Central America thousands of years ago. One cacao bean could be traded for a tamale by the Aztecs, while 100 beans could get you a healthy turkey hen!
• Once it hit Europe, cocoa was sweetened up and became a favorite of kings and queens. Chocolate elixirs were widely prescribed because of cocoa's powerful health benefits!
• "Hot cocoa" traditionally refers to a warmed chocolate drink made from cocoa powder...the term "hot chocolate" is used when the drink is made using solid chocolate, which kicks up the fat and sugar content.
• Dutch process cocoa has been treated with an alkali to reduce bitterness. If used in baking, baking powder is usually added so the batter will properly rise.
• In a fiercely competitive market, the chocolate industry often resorts to using slave labor...buy fair trade! Use the Food Empowerment Project’s superexcellent list of Vegan Fair Trade Chocolate Makers. :)
Leslie's chocolaty treats include Salted Rosemary Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter, Mexican Chocolate Drizzled Popcorn, Gooey Secret-Ingredient Frosted Brownies and a swirly Chocolate Babka. Her little truffle balls of bliss are a sinfully easy way to get cocoa goodness anytime...plus a wrapped up box makes a yumfully munchable gift!
How would you fill up your mug today...hot cocoa, hot chocolate, chocolate smoothie, chocolate mylk, mocaccino or a mocha frappe? :)
Celebrate some more with our 2014 Daily Food Holiday and Featured Blogger Series!
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