chocolate destinations
Traditional Hot Chocolate Recipe Using Tablea
March 22, 2022
It may probably come as no surprise that I love chocolates… in every form. However, hot chocolate has always had a special spot in my chocolate lover heart. I especially fall for that extra thick and rich hot chocolate! And so I wondered, why not just make my own?
Local Chocolates in the Philippines – A Childhood Dream
March 1, 2022
When you think of your childhood, what do you remember?
For Filipinos, being rewarded with their favorite local goodies definitely hits memory lane!
Cacao In The Philippines – The Birth Of Tsokolate
February 21, 2022
Ever wonder how chocolate was discovered in your country?
Chocolates originated from the tropical rainforests of Central America, were discovered by the Europeans, and were introduced to the Philippines by the Spaniards. Since then, the country has developed its love affair with chocolates especially due to the country’s competitive advantage in location and climate.
Chocolate Traditions on Valentine’s Day
February 12, 2022
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, and people already stocking up on their chocolates, do you ever wonder what chocolate traditions exist in different parts of the world?
Cacao de El Salvador – Part 4 (Xocolatísimo)
December 15, 2019
Continuing the El Salvador chocolate experience, the first thing I noticed as I walked into Xocolatísimo chocolate shop was an impressive looking arrangement of colorfully packaged chocolate bars covering almost the entire back wall.
Cacao de El Salvador – Part 3 (JEZ Chocolate)
November 27, 2019
Typically, cacao is grown in one part of the world while chocolate is manufactured and consumed in another. If you live in the United States, chances are the chocolate you’re eating is made from cacao gown in Africa or South America even though it was made in Switzerland or Pennsylvania.
Although it is rare, there are exceptions to this situation. In El Salvador, for example, chocolate shops are crafting chocolate bars, truffles, and hot cocoa drinks from the cacao grown in El Salvador. Sometimes, the business owner grows the cacao too.
Cacao de El Salvador – Part 2
October 23, 2019
A couple months ago I traveled to El Salvador to learn more about how reviving a traditional and ancient agricultural practice can generate income through sustainable environmental and economical development. What on earth am I talking about? Something near and dear to my heart. The Food of the Gods – el Cacao!
I begin at the beginning, following a community of farmers through the process of growing, harvesting, and preparing cacao beans for market...
Cacao de El Salvador – Part 1
September 30, 2019
I have so much good news to share about what’s going on in El Salvador! I spent a little over a week traveling in the eastern part of the country learning first hand from farmers and processors about the benefits and challenges of growing cacao in their region.
My head is bursting with all that I heard, saw and yes, tasted. As a result, I’m going to publish a series of blog posts about it all. My hope is to take everything currently trapped in my brain and write it down. And share some interesting stories and photos with you all.
Chocolat 229 in Galena, Illinois
February 28, 2019
A few weekends ago, I visited the historic small town of Galena, Illinois. Galena is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is nestled among the rolling hills of northwest Illinois near the Mississippi river. Galena was named after the mineral “galena” that was mined first by Native Americans and then by settlers.
Casa del Chocolate – Varadero, Cuba
February 19, 2018
Every chocolate I’ve ever tasted comes with a story. This is no exception.
I found chocolate in Cuba! And what an extraordinary experience for me. Born in the mid-sixties in the U.S., everything Cuba has been off limits for my entire life.
Last month I traveled to Cuba with my husband and other alumni from our alma mater, Carroll University. We had a packed itinerary focusing on cultural and educational activities. Our People to People experience was equal parts eye opening and heart opening.