This is a fascinating book. I have had it on the shelf way too long. So glad I finally took the time to pull it off and read through the story of the cacao plant and the delicious treat I love to nibble.
An interesting story of the cacao plant and its place in religious history. Also some delicious recipes at the beginning of each chapter. With interesting tidbits of information like that an old custom of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of sweets, rewards children with gold-covered chocolate coins for a festival associated with his birthday in December. So many other mouthwatering tasty cocoa nibs in this book.
Another fun fact, that in 1896 Leo Hirshfield started a small candy company, in New York City, after having learned the candy business in Austria. his special taffy-esque formula of Chocolate Tootsie Rolls - named after his daughter - avoided the cost of actual chocolate by using cocoa powder instead. He individually wrapped them separating the candies and made them easily portable, even in the summer.
Then there is the story of the Aski- noshie bar, created by founder Shawn Askinosie, whose father converted from Judaism to Christianity, but gave his candy bar a Yiddish name, from nosh, to bite or snack. Also a a Kosher for Passover chocolate that donates all the proceeds to rescuing dogs.
So many interesting stories about chocolate and its varied history of how it started becoming a nectar of decadence and a common everyday enjoy treat.
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