Welcome to our series featuring Food Holidays: December 17th, 2022. Did you know today is National Cocoa Day? As well as Ambrosia Day. If I had my choice I will have Cocoa. How about you. Cocoa or Ambrosia.
National Cocoa Day
National Cocoa Day is celebrated on December 13th. Hot Cocoa is typically made with Cocoa Powder, heated Milk or Water, and Sugar. However, some also call this beverage 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. We are left with only the Cocoa Powder. This Cocoa Powder is used to make Hot Cocoa. Hot Cocoa is a relatively healthy drink with very little fat and calories, depending on what you add to the drink.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL COCOA DAY
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, Chocolate back then was much different from that which we consume now, because 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.
Chocolate 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 Chocolate was introduced to Europe and adopted as a luxury drink of the wealthy that Chcolate 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. Criollo is mostly cultivated mainly by Venezuela. Trinitario is foremost in quality and when compared to the other two varieties, Criollo produces higher yields due to its disease-resistant nature.
HOW TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL COCOA DAY
- No National Cocoa Day is complete without enjoying a cup of Coco the way you like it and enjoy the drink with family. Make work a bit more fun by hostinga Cocoa recipe swap. Trying out the different versions while on break.
- If you are a Hot Cocoa fan, try your hand at making Hot Cocoa Bombs. Hot Cocoa Bombs are Chocolate spheres made with Cocoa, Marshmallows, and other ingredients. Hot Cocoa Bombs is a truly unique way to enjoy Cocoa.
- Take your Hot Cocoa game to the next level by experimenting with different toppings. Marshmallows, Candy Canes and Toffees are some of the toppings that will make your Cocoa extra tasty. If you are not a Candy fan, try Cinnamon, or Nutmeg. You can add Almond flavoring to the Cocoa.
5 FACTS ABOUT CHOCOLATES
- Chocolate contains over 600 flavor compounds, which give it a distinct aroma.
- There are four different types of Chocolates including Dark, Milk, White, and Blond Chocolates.
- Did you know White Chocolate isn’t technically Chocolate? 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. Milk Chocolate contains 9 milligrams, which is higher than Espresso’s caffeine count.
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL COCOA DAY
- Cocoa is delicious in all Cultures, and there is some form of a traditional Cocoa recipe. 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.
- 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 on Social Media.
National Ambrosia Day*
Ambrosia, according to Greek mythology, is the nectar of the Gods. Endowing strength and immortality to those who eat Ambrosia. The term Ambrosia can mean something especially delectable to taste or smell.
The earliest recipes for Ambrosia Salad appeared around the 1800s. The recipes called for Citrus Fruit, Coconut, and Sugar. However, those who find Coconut disagreeable leave it out of the recipe. We must note that if you omit Coconut, a forceful objection could be heard from a true Southerner.
A genuine Ambrosia Salad is served the same day it is prepared. However, more modern recipes suggest overnight refrigeration of Ambrosia. Other ingredients often added to the Salad include Pineapple, Nuts, Cherries, Apples, Bananas, Whipped Cream, or Yogurt.
HOW TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL AMBROSIA DAY
Ambrosia accompanies many family dinners and pot lucks because of Ambrosia’s light and fresh flavor offset some of the more heavy recipes we encounter over the holidays. Ambrosia adds just a little bit more flair than traditional Fruit Salad.
Some hostesses even have trouble deciding whether to put Ambrosia with the desserts or the side dishes. No matter how you choose to celebrate, be sure you share your Ambrosia with others. Remember there is no fighting over the last bite.
Use #NationalAmbrosiaDay to share on Social Media.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
