December 13 National Cocoa Day #NationalCocoaDay

National Cocoa Day is celebrated on December 13th every year. Hot cocoa is typically made with Cocoa Powder, heated Milk or Water, and Sugar. However, some also call it Hot Chocolate, which causes a bit of confusion.

Hot Chocolate is made by using ground Chocolate containing Cocoa Butter. We can also make Chocolate Liquor by fermenting, drying, roasting, and grinding Cocoa Beans. After this, the Cocoa Butter is removed, and we are left with only the Cocoa Powder. This Cocoa Powder is used to make Hot Cocoa. It is a relatively healthy drink with very little fat and calories, depending on what you add to the mix.

Chocolate has a long and ancient history. The first origins of Cocoa can be traced back to 5000 years. Archaeologists believe that this is only as early as we can trace Cocoa. Of course, the Chocolate back then was much different from that which we consume now, as Sugar was still scarce.

The beverage was flavored with Vanilla, Chili, and was served throughout the year. It was reportedly more popular during the Olmec period, where it was used for spiritual praying. It was once used as a trade currency in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica.

Cocoa was first was found by European explorers in South America, where it was already enjoyed for hundreds of years before the arrival of the Europeans. Not only that, but it was the Spaniards who first found the flavor unpleasant and declared Chocolate bitter.

In fact, Chocolate became an acquired taste. It would not be until it was introduced to Europe and adopted as a luxury drink of the wealthy that it would be sweetened. This led to the invention of Milk Chocolate. And it wouldn’t be until 1828 that Powdered Chocolate would be available for consumption. Soon after this, the Chocolate Bar and instant Hot Cocoa came into existence.

The three prominent varieties of Cocoa Plants are Forastero, Trinitario, and Criollo. Forastero is a commonly used variant that contributes to up to 90% of the world’s Cocoa production. Trinitario originated from Trinidad and is a hybrid variety of Cocoa. Criollo is prone to diseases and less common it is mostly cultivated mainly by Venezuela. Trinitario is foremost in quality and when compared to the other two varieties, it produces higher yields due to its disease-resistant nature.

How To Celebrate National Cocoa Day

National Cocoa Day wouldn’t be complete without enjoying a cup of Cocoa and remember to make a cup of Cocoa the way you like it and enjoy it. If your bored at work you could make it a bit more fun by hosting a Cocoa recipe swap and trying out the different versions while on break.
If you are an ambitious Hot Cocoa fan, try your hand at making Hot Cocoa Bombs which are Chocolate Spheres made with Cocoa, Marshmallows, and other ingredients. A truly unique way to enjoy Cocoa.
You should think outside the box today and take your Hot Cocoa game to the next level by experimenting with different toppings. Including Marshmallows, Candy Canes, Caramel, and Toffees are only some of the toppings that will make your Hot Cocoa extra delicious.
If you are not a Candy fan, try Cinnamon, All-Spice or Nutmeg, or add Almond flavoring to the Hot Cocoa.

Facts About Chocolates

Chocolate contains over 600 flavor compounds, which give Chocolate a distinct aroma.
Did you know there are dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, White Chocolate, and Blond Chocolates.
Did you know White Chocolate contains Cocoa Butter but doesn’t contain any Cocoa Powder or Cocoa solids.
The Chocolate industry is worth over $75 billion per year globally.
Dark Chocolate contains 12 milligrams of caffeine per ounce and Milk Chocolate contains 9 milligrams, which is higher than Espresso’s Caffeine count. Isn’t that crazy?

Why People Love National Cocoa Day

Cocoa and Chocolate have a rich history from being objects of worship to mass-produced consumer sweets, Cocoa Beans have come a long way. Celebrate National Cocoa Day by sharing trivia on Social Media to sound like an expert.

Cocoa is delicious in and in all cultures, there is some form of a traditional Cocoa recipe, and there are millions of Cocoa lovers worldwide.

National Cocoa Day is also about experimenting with your Hot Cocoa. Try different toppings, or even come up with new Cocoa recipes.

Recipe for Hot Cocoa

Ingredients

2 cups powdered sugar
2 cups dried milk (whole is preferred, but nonfat works)
1 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed preferred)
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Transfer to an airtight container and store for up to 6 months.
To make a mug of hot chocolate: combine 1/2 cup mix with 3/4 cup of hot water or milk in a mug, stir well until frothy and well-combined.

Notes

This recipe for Cocoa makes a fun Christmas Gift for packaging the Cocoa for gifting, pour the mix into Ball® Canning’s 16 ounce Jar. Create or purchase gifting tags, and tie onto the jar with ribbon, string, or raffia. This recipe makes enough for 3 pint-size jars.

As you know Water works fine making Coco but for this recipe to make an even creamier mug of Hot Cocoa, use Hot Milk.

Here is some add-ins: you could put in small snack size bags to give with the Hot Chocolate: Vanilla Powder, Espresso Powder, Mint Chips, or Cinnamon, Peppermint Sticks and Candy

Looking for a fun unique #Gift or Stocking Stuffer Gift for Hot Chocolate Lovers a immer sion blender or frother would make a wonderful Gift and allot them to create a frothy mug of Hot Chocolate!

To make this recipe for Hot Chocolate Vegan, swap out the dried Milk for Dried Coconut Milk, and make sure to grab Dairy-Free Chocolate Chips.

Thank you,

Glenda, Charlie and David Cates