Chocolate

Chocolates are loved the world over. Why do so many people love chocolate? Probably because of the almost unlimited variety of flavors and textures that chocolate has. Ever since chocolate was first discovered over 3,000 years ago by the Aztecs, people have enjoyed chocolate. Of course, although people all through time have enjoyed chocolate, it didn't start out as we know it today. It wasn't the sweet little chocolates or bars that we like to think of. Instead, it started in South America only as a bitter drink.

Soon though, coco made its debut into the rest of the world and into the hands of many eager bakers. Chocolate went from just a bitter drink, into all kinds of flavors. Coco was made into sweet drinks, cakes, desserts and bars. The flavors ranged in everything from bitter dark to ultra sweet and decadent. One of the most indulgent is chocolate truffles. Theses little chocolates are filled with ganache, a mixture of both semisweet chocolate and cream.

In 1765 chocolate was first introduced to the United States by an Irishman named John Hanan. Both John and American candy maker James Baker built the first American chocolate mill in 1780. They then started producing chocolates for the public. It wasn't long before their little chocolate business began to take off, Americans were in love!

Now, well over 200 years later, the American public is still in love and obsessed with chocolate. 7 billion dollars a year alone is spent on chocolate! Much of that is spent on chocolate gifts, whether of course that gift is for someone other than yourself is entirely up to you!