Chocolate has a way of enchanting people with its delicious and irresistible taste. It is a magical treat that brings joy and happiness to those who indulge in its velvety goodness. Whether it be a small piece of chocolate or a decadent dessert, it has the power to transport us to a place of pure bliss. One bite of chocolate can instantly elevate our mood and lighten our spirits. It has the ability to awaken our senses and stimulate feelings of pleasure and comfort. The rich and smooth texture of chocolate melting on our tongues evokes a sense of luxury and indulgence.
When Miyatani came out from the piano room, everyone was out of control, as they always do when they speak about Miyatani. Then Miyatani ran away, as she didn't want to hear anything. Miyatani didn't notice that Eiji was looking at her. When she went out to the field, a ball hit her, and then her music scores fell. Then, Kawashima Ritsu said sorry. Miyatani says it's okay. But Ritsu looked mad because she said "Tch" at Miyatani. Miyatani looked at Ritsu weirdly. Then Ritsu said, "Too bad that your hand is not broken." Ritsu takes back the ball, and Miyatani felt hurt and scared.
Cacao was sacred; it was central to these civilisations because of its amazing nutrients and the secrets within, which modern science still struggles to explain. It s not a staple; it s not something you eat all day, every day but when you do eat it, chocolate provides a kind of magic that s found nowhere else.
The rich and smooth texture of chocolate melting on our tongues evokes a sense of luxury and indulgence. In addition to its delectable taste, chocolate is also known to have various health benefits. It contains antioxidants that can help improve heart health and reduce the risk of certain diseases.
Revealing The Magic of Chocolate - Part I: Cacao & The Ancient World
The last king of the Aztecs, Moctezuma died in 1521 as the Conquistadores established their rulership of Mexico. Haunted by legends of Moctezuma's gold, the Spaniards spent years searching the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan for the fabled lost treasure. They never found it…they didn't even know what they were looking for. Moctezuma's treasure was Cacao: his vaults were full of Cacao beans.
Consumed by the Aztecs in liquid form just as it had been by the Mayans before them, Cacao was highly prized for its health-giving properties. Aztec nobles would drink chocolate served cold and frothy, the foam believed to hold its fundamental essence. Considered so valuable that it was used as currency, master counterfeiters would manufacture the most valuable varieties of the Cacao bean, replicating the tiniest details. Cacao continued to be used as currency in parts of Latin America up to the 1880s. Although its consumption was widespread, the best quality Cacao was reserved for the nobles. Maps of the time show that it was grown in many different parts, but there was one place that was prized above all others: Xoconusco [so-con-osko] in Chiapas, a region five hundred kilometers away from the centre of the Aztec empire. Why did the Aztecs go to such extreme lengths to conquer this remote place?
Ancestors of the Mayans
It was here that the Olmecs lived. They were the first to domesticate Cacao, taking the wild plant and cultivating it, selecting and incorporating it into their culture. It is believed that the genetic material of the plant originates in the Amazon basin, from where it migrated naturally to the people of Izapa in Xoconusco. It was they who produced the first and finest variety of the cultivated bean: Royal Criollo Cacao. Nowadays, Loving Earth works with the Mayan descendants of the Olmecs in Chiapas to produce Cacao. To find out more please visit this page.
The Magic of Chocolate
Many people will have seen Lasse Hallström's movie adaptation of Chocolat, the fantastic 1999 novel by Joanne Harris. Based on a Mayan myth, the film tells the story of a young mother who opens a small café named La Chocolaterie Maya where she begins curing the villagers' various ailments using you-known-what. A classic scene occurs when an older woman comes into the cafe and needs some help with her husband; the chocolate maestra simply prescribes a bag of raw cacao beans, which soon fixes him up. Although just a playful, fictionalised account of the benefits of Cacao, it's true that the magic bean works in many different ways. This is why it was considered sacred and valued so highly in ancient Mesoamerican culture. It's a powerful and potent food. It's not a staple; it's not something you eat all day, every day…but when you do eat it, chocolate provides a kind of magic that's found nowhere else.
Food of the Gods
"Cacao was more than a simple food. It was a divine food. Quetzalcoatl, the sacred king of the Toltechi, high priest and king of Tula, was the gardener of paradise where the first men lived. From there, he brought the cacahuaquehitl or cacaotero to his country."
-Fernàndez de Oviedo (1535), Historia General y Natural de las Indias [General History and Nature of the Indies]
In many ways, Cacao was the basis of the whole Mayan civilisation. As with many traditional cultures, the figure of the serpent was one of the main archetypes of spiritual energy for the Mayans. It was their primary god Quetzalcoatl (meaning “feathered-serpent” in the Nahuatl language of the Mayans) who brought Cacao to earth and gifted it to the people. This is where its name is derived from: Theobroma Cacao, the Latin term meaning “food of the gods” given to the species by the Spanish. This was not the only connection between Cacao and the divine; shamans of the time would use Cacao in their rituals, as it was understood to be a tuning mechanism, opening the psychic instrument and connecting the mind with the cosmos. The results can be seen in everything from art to architecture. Cacao was sacred; it was central to these civilisations because of its amazing nutrients and the secrets within, which modern science still struggles to explain. Cacao opens the heart and the mind, yet it also relaxes the muscles. If you eat Cacao beans and then do yoga, it's a whole different experience. Since Cacao contains so much magnesium, your muscles relax and you can get into the postures a lot more effectively. It energises you. But more about that next week, when we'll be focusing on the nutrients in chocolate and the chemicals of emotion. For now, try a bit of that Mayan magic in your kitchen!
All alone I sing
To the one who is my Lord:
In this place where the gods command,
The flower-chocolate drink is foaming – the flower intoxication.
I yearn, oh yes!
For my heart has tasted it:
It intoxicated my heart – songs, dreams, yearnings.
My heart has tasted it.
-Tlaltecatzin, Aztec Poet
Loving Earth's Magical Ancient Mayan Hot Chocolate
This is a gorgeously decadent drink that combines the Mayan tradition with the Loving Earth approach. Rich and creamy, thick and velvety, this will see you through the last of winter with a smile on your lips and a toasty mug to warm your hands!
For the Mayans and Aztecs, the foamy froth of the chocolate drink was achieved by splashing the potent mixture back and forth between two jugs. It's unlikely that you'll have someone available who's content to follow such directions for an entire afternoon, but you can use a traditional molinillo whisk or a hand blender to recreate the effect instead!
You Need
• 3 cups boiling water
• 200g raw cacao liquor
• 6 tsp coconut cashew cream
• 1 vanilla bean, chopped and ground
• 150g coconut sugar
• ½ tsp chilli powder
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• a pinch of sea salt
• zest from half an orange
Method
To remove the zest from the orange, grate the skin while it's still attached to the fruit. Be careful not to include the white layer beneath the skin.
Assembly
In a small pan, add the cacao liquor to your boiling water. Stir in the coconut cashew cream, sugar and vanilla. Add the chilli, cinnamon and a pinch of sea salt. Finally, add the zest to your chocolate mix a little at a time until a rich vibrant flavour has been achieved. Froth with a whisk and enjoy!
All alone I sing
To the one who is my Lord:
In this place where the gods command,
The flower-chocolate drink is foaming – the flower intoxication.
I yearn, oh yes!
For my heart has tasted it:
It intoxicated my heart – songs, dreams, yearnings.
My heart has tasted it.
-Tlaltecatzin, Aztec Poet
Consuming chocolate releases endorphins in the brain, which can act as a natural mood booster. Furthermore, chocolate is a true versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of culinary creations. From cakes and cookies to truffles and mousse, the possibilities are endless. Its versatility allows for endless experimentation and creativity in the kitchen, making it a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike. Chocolate is not just a food, but a symbol of love and affection. It is often given as a gift on special occasions or used to express gratitude and appreciation. Its sweet and sentimental nature makes it a universal expression of love and care. The magic of chocolate lies not only in its taste but also in the emotions and memories it evokes. It has the power to transport us back to our childhood, reminding us of simpler times and carefree moments. Whether it be a comforting treat on a rainy day or a celebration of life's milestones, chocolate is a constant companion that brings joy and delight. In conclusion, chocolate is a truly magical indulgence that captivates our senses and brings happiness to our lives. Its delectable taste, health benefits, versatility, and sentimental value make it a beloved treat for people of all ages. So, the next time you take a bite of chocolate, savor the moment and let its enchanting magic transport you to a place of pure bliss..
Reviews for "The Magic of Chocolate in Dessert Recipes: Unleashing Your Inner Pastry Chef"
1. Jane - 2/5: I was so excited to try "The Magic of Chocolate" after hearing all the rave reviews, but I was left disappointed. The story was predictable and lacked depth. The characters were one-dimensional and I found it hard to relate to any of them. Additionally, the writing style felt clunky and forced. Overall, I was underwhelmed by this book and wouldn't recommend it.
2. Mark - 3/5: While "The Magic of Chocolate" had a unique concept, I felt that the execution fell flat. The pacing was off, with the story feeling rushed in some parts and dragging on in others. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to fully engage with the characters. Furthermore, the plot twists were predictable and didn't offer any real surprises. I appreciate the effort to create a magical world centered around chocolate, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations.
3. Sarah - 2/5: I had high hopes for "The Magic of Chocolate" but found it to be a disappointing read. The story lacked originality and felt like a generic romance novel with a chocolate-themed backdrop. The characters were bland and lacked development, making it hard to care about their struggles. Furthermore, the writing style was overly descriptive, often dragging the story instead of moving it forward. Overall, I was underwhelmed by this book and wouldn't recommend it to others.
4. Tom - 2/5: "The Magic of Chocolate" promised a magical and enchanting journey, but it failed to deliver. The plot was predictable and seemed to follow the same formula as countless other fantasy novels. The main character was flat and lacked depth, making it hard to root for her success. I also found the world-building to be lacking, with the descriptions of the chocolate-related magic feeling superficial and underdeveloped. Overall, I was left unimpressed by this book and wouldn't recommend it to fellow readers.
5. Emily - 3/5: While "The Magic of Chocolate" had its moments, overall, I was left unsatisfied. The concept of a magical chocolate world intrigued me, but the execution felt rushed and underdeveloped. The characters had potential, but their actions and motivations often felt unrealistic and forced. The plot twists were also predictable and lacked the ingenuity I was hoping for. While the book had its charming elements, it fell short of being a truly engaging and memorable read in my opinion.