Chocolate..

"...which they use as money, and is produced on a moderately sized tree that flourishes only in very warm and shady localities.....The fruit is like almonds, lying in a shell resembling a gourd in size. It ripens in a year, and being plucked when the season has arrived, they pick out the kernels and lay them on the mats to dry; then when thy wish for the beverage, they roast them in an earthen pan over the fire, and grind them with the stones which they use for preparing bread [metate]. Finally, they put the paste into cups . . . and mixing it gradually with water, some times adding a little of their spice, they drink it, though it seems more suited for pigs than men. I was upwards of a year in that country without ever being induced to taste this beverage, and when I passed through a tribe, if an Indian wished occasionally to give me some, he was very much surprised to see me refuse it and went away laughing. But subsequently, wine failing, and unwilling to drink nothing but water, I did as others did. The flavor is somewhat bitter, but it satisfies and refreshes the body without intoxicating: the Indians esteem it above everything, wherever they are accustomed to it."Girolamo Benzoni, describing cocoa beans. History of the New World (1565) ***

I woke hungry today.

Can you tell?

Where are the chocolate donuts?

I must leave for church where my tummy will

rumble.

Have a Happy day....

Love you, Me