If you know me, you know that I LOVE chocolate. Maybe it's because I'm Mexican, maybe it's because I lived in Belgium for a few years and they make the BEST chocolate.
Regardless, chocolate is a universally loved indulgence that has captivated our taste buds for centuries. Its rich and complex history traces back to ancient civilizations, and for bicultural families, it can hold an even deeper significance by connecting us to our Mexican heritage. Here is a little bit of history on chocolate.
The roots of chocolate can be found in Mesoamerica, where the Mayans and Aztecs first discovered the cacao tree. In their cultures, chocolate held profound importance, not only as a delicious treat but also as a symbol of spirituality and connection to the divine. It was often used in religious ceremonies and esteemed as a luxury reserved for the elite.
It is also well known that the ancient Mayans employed cacao beans, as a kind of payment. They used it to trade for products and services. In other words, chocolate was money.
When Spanish explorers encountered chocolate during their conquest of the New World, they recognized its value and introduced it to Europe. Over time, chocolate gained popularity among European aristocracy, but it also underwent significant transformations. Ingredients like sugar, vanilla, and milk were added, resulting in the creation of different variations, such as the iconic Mexican hot chocolate.
As bicultural families emerged from Mexican and European backgrounds, chocolate became a cultural bridge. It symbolized the merging of two distinct culinary traditions,
blending ancient Mesoamerican practices with European influences.
I love sharing my Mexican experience with chocolate with my Canadian family. They are often surprised to see that Mexican chocolate usually includes cinnamon and chili flakes. Or that the traditional method of preparing Mexican hot chocolate involves grinding roasted cacao beans with spices, creating a rich and aromatic beverage. Or even better, that mole is a delicious sauce that has chocolate as its base. YUM!
Chocolate holds a special place in my heart and reminds me of my cultural heritage of Mexico. Sharing the history of chocolate with my girls allows me to create special moments and generate family bonding and traditions. In our bicultural family, we use making traditional Mexican hot chocolate or eating churros and conchas as a way to share where we are from and reinforce cultural heritage. So, raise a cup of Mexican hot chocolate, bite into a delicious chocolate concha, and let the magic of chocolate bring us closer to our cultural heritage.
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