drinking chocolate
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Time to read 2 min
From the ancient Mesoamerican drink xocolatl to today's cherished hot chocolate, cacao has long been celebrated for its rich flavor and restorative qualities. This drinking chocolate recipe transforms a simple cup into a daily ritual, a moment of warmth, presence, and nourishment. Crafted with pure cacao, it's naturally packed with antioxidants and beneficial
5 min
1 pers
Drink
Ancient Central America
INGREDIENTS
- 4 tbsp Seahorse Culinary Chocolate
- 6oz steamed milk of your choice
WAYS TO SPICE IT UP
- salt
- cinnamon
- nutmeg
- cayenne pepper
- cardamom
PREPERATION
* If you have a steamer, skip steps 1 and 2
- Take 6oz of milk of your choice and pour into a saucepan. Begin at low-med heat to prevent curdling. Stir milk constantly with silicone spatula or wooden spoon. Once there are small bubble forming on the edges, but not boiling, reduce to low heat and continue stirring until milk reaches desired temperature.
- Once your milk is the temperature you want, use a whisk to stir ferociously. Continue stirring for about 30 seconds to a minute, depending on how frothy you want your drink. Keep milk on low heat to make mixing easier.
- Scoop 4 tbsp of Seahorse Culinary Chocolate to your milk and stir to combine. You can stop here, remove from heat, and enjoy your luxurious cup of modern xocolatl. If you want to spice it up, while keeping on low heat, add different seasonings or sweeteners of your choice and make it your own. Remove your mixture from heat and pour into your favorite mug to enjoy.
history of drinking chocolate and xocolatl
Ancient drinking chocolate can be traced back 3,000 years to the ancient Maya and Aztecs. Cacao was a highly cherished commodity and, at times, was more valuable than gold due to the belief that cacao was a gift from the gods. Between trade routes, the Mayans and Aztecs traded the cacao as it was a large part of their ceremonies.
For ceremonies, these civilizations made a bitter drink called xocolatl which was made from roasted cacao beans ground into paste, combined with water, and flavored with vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, or honey.
When the Spanish conquistadors came in the 1500’s, they brought cacao back for the elites. Once cacao reached Europe, it started to evolve into more of what we now know as chocolate. The Spaniards and other European nations were not able to enjoy the original bitter drinks and started to add sugar and milk. These additives slowly evolved into the cozy, warm drink we know as hot chocolate: the iconic and timeless drink we know and love.
health benefits of cacao
At its purest, cacao is a remarkably nutrient-dense food. Rich in antioxidants, minerals, and naturally occurring mood-supporting compounds, drinking chocolate offers a nourishing alternative to heavily processed beverages. Cacao contains magnesium for wellness and relaxation, iron for vitality, and theobromine, a gentle, naturally occurring compound that can promote alertness, focus, and a positive mood without the intensity or jitters often associated with coffee. Theobromine may also support healthy circulation by encouraging blood flow throughout the body. Whether enjoyed as a morning ritual or an afternoon pause, a thoughtfully crafted cup of drinking chocolate is an invitation to nourish both body and mind while savoring one of nature's most treasured ingredients.
Seahorse Chocolate
Bulk Culinary Ground Chocolate
