A basic history of Chocolate
The Aztecs created a beverage called “chocolatl”, a healing drink that was also used for special ceremonies. They would ferment the cacao beans, dry and grind them, and sweeten them with honey and native spices to make this refreshing beverage.
For additional history information about chocolate
The Making of Chocolate
All the chocolate made for consumption worldwide starts with the cacao bean which comes from pods of the cacao tree (Theobromo Cacao). The seeds are fermented, sun-dried, may be treated with alkali ( called Dutching), packed and shipped to a manufacturing plant or to consumers.
At the factory, the beans are sorted then roasted to bring out the color and enhance the flavors. Further reading about the making of chocolate can be found on the web at http://www.cacaoweb.net
Locations to buy artisan chocolates in Napa Valley:
Woodhouse Chocolate Napa Valley Chocolate
www.woodhousechocolate.com www.napavalleychocolateco.com
Anette’s Chocolates Vintage Sweet Shoppe
www.anettes.com vintagesweetshoppe.com
Le Belge Chocolatier Kollar Chocolates
www.lebelgechocolatier.com www.kollarchocolates.com
Culinary Classes
www.napavalley.edu/CookingSchool/Pages/EnthusiastProgram.aspx
CIA at Greystone :: The Culinary Institute of America
Resources:
Classic Home Desserts: A Treasury of Heirloom and Contemporary Recipes Hardcover
by Richard Sax
The Science of Good Cooking (Cook’s Illustrated Cookbooks) by The Editors of America’s Test Kitchen and Guy Crosby Ph.D (Oct 1, 2012)
In researching on the web I used www.bing.com
The Candlelight Inn — a luxurious Napa Valley bed and breakfast. Located near downtown Napa, this lovely 1929 English Tudor inn is centrally located to all the wonders of the valley.
Secluded beneath towering redwood trees along the banks of the Napa Creek, the candlelight rests on an acre of quiet, park-like grounds. A romantic and restful backyard delights sun seekers with manicured gardens and a gorgeous swimming pool.
