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Chocolate of the Day:
(unidentified Cuban chocolate maker)
Chocolate ball
Good - Good +
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) (estimate) in 1 serving
Calories: 145 calories (estimate) in 1 serving
Cost: $N/A - gift
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Purchased from: N/A - gift (bought in Cuba)
Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate Gifts Theme Week.
Today's ball-shaped chocolate was special. It came all the way from (Baracoa) Cuba. Thank you to Sue who gifted me with this authentic chocolate.
I shaved some of this unsweetened chocolate (from this intriguing, rustic, chocolate ball) into simmering hot water and stirred into the mixture a dash of cinnamon, a few tiny bits of roasted chile, and a few drops of honey.
I stirred this drinking chocolate in a pot over the stove almost continuously for several minutes, until a few bubbles formed on the surface and the chocolate particles seemed fully dissolved.
Notes: A piece of jicama, a very small amount of corn meal and some almonds in the pot reduced acidity a bit and gave this drinking chocolate a very slightly savory and roasted flavor. These inclusions were left behind when the hot chocolate was poured off into a cup.
I enjoyed this hot beverage without any added sugar. Some may want to add a little of their sweetener of choice (honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar, etc.).
The next batch will include a few drops of Mexican vanilla extract.
Photo at top right of young Cuban woman holding chocolate ball (with cacao pods/fruits on table): Courtesy of Susan Neville, taken in Cuba. Thanks again Sue!