Today is a chocoholics dream come true! It is believed that the first form of hot cocoa was developed by the Mayas about 2,000 years ago, and by 1400 AD a cocoa beverage was an essential part of Aztec culture. The chocolate drink, called xocolatl, was a bitter, spiced drink. It wasn't until the 17th century that sweet-tasting hot chocolate was developed. Hot chocolate was introduced to North America in the 1700s. Then in 1900 we Americans began to enjoy the first Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar. The Hershey's Kiss was introduced seven years later. By World War II, chocolate was so common that it was included as part of a soldier's K rations. So take time today to enjoy a cup of cheer in honor of National Cocoa Day. ~ Chef ~
