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Making of the best chocolate - III

Part 3

With cocoa mass in hand, the manufacturers can now decide if the chocolate they want is going to be couverture or...

Making of the best chocolate - II

Part 2

When cocoa beans land in different parts of the world, chocolate manufacturers get to work. The beans are sorted and graded....
Making of the best chocolate - I

Part 1

What is couverture chocolate ?

Nowadays, we have heard brands talking about couverture chocolate. But as a consumer, what does this mean?

Well,...
A Sweet History: How Chocolates Became An Integral Part Of Cooking And Baking
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A Sweet History: How Chocolates Became An Integral Part Of Cooking And Baking

Chocolates have been a favorite treat of many for centuries, but did you know that they recently become an integral part of cooking and baking? Learn how chocolates were first introduced to the world of cooking and baking, and how they’ve evolved over time to become a staple ingredient in many popular recipes.

Introduction of chocolates to cooking and baking

The history of chocolate is a long and varied one, with the first recorded use of the cacao bean dating back to the ancient Maya civilization. The Maya believed that the cacao tree was a gift from the gods, and would use the beans to make a bitter drink called xocolatl. This drink was often reserved for special occasions, such as religious ceremonies or weddings.

The Aztecs also held chocolate in high esteem, and it was often used as currency. The word "chocolate" comes from the Aztec word "xocolatl", which means "bitter water". The Aztecs believed that chocolate was an aphrodisiac, and would often give it to their guests before meals or special events.

Chocolate finally made its way to Europe in the 16th century, where it quickly became a favorite among royalty and the upper class. At first, chocolate was consumed primarily in liquid form, but soon European confectioners began experimenting with ways to solidify the Chocolate News substance. This led to the development of some of the first chocolate candies and desserts.

In 1828, Dutch chemist Coenraad van Houten invented a process for making cocoa powder, which made chocolate much cheaper and more accessible to the masses. Van Houten's process also made it possible to add other flavors to chocolate, such as milk or spices. In 1875, Swiss confectioner Daniel Peter perfected a method for adding milk to chocolate

The Different Types of Chocolates Used in Cooking and Baking

Chocolate has been used in cooking and baking for centuries, and there are many different types of chocolate that can be used to create delicious recipes.

The most common type of chocolate used in baking is dark chocolate, which has a high percentage of cocoa solids and a strong flavor. Dark chocolate is typically used in recipes that call for a small amount of chocolate, such as cookies or brownies.

Milk chocolate is another type of chocolate that is commonly used in baking. Milk chocolate has a lower percentage of cocoa solids than dark chocolate, which gives it a sweeter flavor. Milk chocolate is often used in recipes that require a large amount of chocolate, such as cakes or cupcakes.

White chocolate is also sometimes used in baking, although it does not contain any cocoa solids and has a very sweet flavor. White chocolate is often used to decorate desserts or to make candy bars.

How Chocolate Has Changed Through the Years

In the early days of chocolate's history, the Mesoamerican people were the first to enjoy this treat. They used cocoa beans to make a bitter drink that was often used in religious ceremonies. As time went on, the Aztecs and Mayans began to add sugar to the cocoa drink, making it more palatable.

The first chocolate bar was created in England in the early 1800s. At that time, chocolate was still a luxury item and was very expensive. It wasn't until 1828 when Dutch chemist Coenraad Van Houten invented a process for removing the fat from cocoa beans that chocolate became more affordable. This led to the creation of many new chocolate products, such as chocolate chips and chocolate bars.

In the early 1900s, milk was added to chocolate to create milk chocolate. This made chocolate even more popular and led to the creation of many iconic candy bars, such as Hershey's Kisses and Milky Way. Today, there are countless different types of chocolate available, from white chocolate to dark chocolate. And with so many different flavors and combinations, there's a type of chocolate for everyone!

Conclusion

Chocolates have come a long way since their origin, from being an edible indulgence to becoming an integral part of cooking and baking. With its versatility in creating both sweet and savory dishes, it is no surprise that chocolates are cherished by both chefs and home bakers alike.


Whether you’re looking for something simple like hot chocolate or more complex creations such as cakes or brownies, there is no shortage of recipes to choose from – so don’t be afraid to get creative! 


If you are in search of luxurious, velvety Belgian chocolate crafted from pure cocoa butter to elevate your baking, Linoui's Belgian Chocolate for Baking is the perfect choice. It can make your recipes divine and decadent.

Happy baking!

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Recent Posts

Making of the best chocolate - III

Part 3

With cocoa mass in hand, the manufacturers can now decide if the chocolate they want is going to be couverture or...

Making of the best chocolate - II

Part 2

When cocoa beans land in different parts of the world, chocolate manufacturers get to work. The beans are sorted and graded....
Making of the best chocolate - I

Part 1

What is couverture chocolate ?

Nowadays, we have heard brands talking about couverture chocolate. But as a consumer, what does this mean?

Well,...