World Chocolate Day: Unconventional Flavors to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

July 7th marks the celebration of World Chocolate Day, a day to indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of chocolate in all its forms. From simple treats to luxurious desserts, chocolate has become an integral part of our culinary lives. As we explore the world of chocolate, we’ve discovered some unique and unexpected flavor combinations that will tantalize your taste buds.

Chilli and Chocolate: A Match Made in Heaven

Lindt’s Excellence Dark Chilli Chocolate Bar is a game-changer. The combination of spicy chilli and dark chocolate may seem unusual, but the result is a harmonious blend of flavors. The heat from the chilli lingers in the aftertaste, elevating the bitterness of the dark chocolate. This unusual pairing has its roots in ancient Mayan and Aztec civilizations, who savored a drink called xocolatl. If you’re not a fan of dark chocolate, try white chocolate-coated jalapenos for a sweet and spicy treat.

Cheese and Chocolate: A Gourmet Delicacy

Adding cheese to hot chocolate may seem strange, but it’s a traditional Colombian practice. In fact, cheesy hot chocolate was a brief internet sensation, sparking both shock and delight. For a gourmet twist, pair milk chocolate with brie or dark chocolate with blue cheese for a rich and creamy experience.

Chocolate Pizza: A Savory Surprise

Chocolate pizza may sound unusual, but it’s a reality. Companies specialize in creating these sweet and savory masterpieces. You can incorporate chocolate into the dough or use it as a topping, or even create a chocolate-infused marinara sauce. The possibilities are endless, making it a fun and experimental treat.

Potato and Chocolate: A Crunchy Delight

Simple salted potato chips dipped in melted chocolate may seem unusual, but the combination is surprisingly delightful. The saltiness of the chip complements the sweetness of the chocolate, with a satisfying crunch. This unique snack, known as “chippers,” is a favorite in North Dakota. You can also use potatoes in chocolate cake, which adds a soft and structured texture without compromising the flavor.

Lesser-Daunting Options

If you’re not ready to venture too far out of your comfort zone, try drizzling chocolate over roasted chickpeas or popcorn. For a more traditional experience, explore the endless flavored chocolate bars available at your local department store. These options will give you a taste of the world of chocolate without being too adventurous.

How Will You Celebrate World Chocolate Day?

As you celebrate World Chocolate Day, remember that there’s no limit to the creative ways you can enjoy chocolate. From unique flavor combinations to traditional treats, the possibilities are endless. So, go ahead and indulge in your favorite chocolate delights and discover new ones to add to your repertoire.

Historical Context:

• Chocolate has been a part of human culture for over 3,000 years, dating back to the ancient Mesoamerican civilizations of the Mayans and Aztecs.
• The Aztecs believed that cacao beans, the main ingredient in chocolate, were a gift from the gods and used them to create a drink called xocolatl, which was considered a luxury item.
• In the 17th and 18th centuries, chocolate became popular in Europe, particularly among the aristocracy, and was often flavored with spices and other ingredients.
• The Industrial Revolution in the 19th century made mass production of chocolate possible, leading to the widespread availability of chocolate in many forms.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• World Chocolate Day is celebrated on July 7th and is a day to indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of chocolate in all its forms. • Unconventional flavor combinations include: + Chilli and chocolate: Lindt’s Excellence Dark Chilli Chocolate Bar combines spicy chilli and dark chocolate for a harmonious blend of flavors. + Cheese and chocolate: Adding cheese to hot chocolate is a traditional Colombian practice, and pairing milk chocolate with brie or dark chocolate with blue cheese creates a rich and creamy experience. + Chocolate pizza: Companies specialize in creating chocolate pizzas with chocolate-infused dough, toppings, or marinara sauce. + Potato and chocolate: Simple salted potato chips dipped in melted chocolate or using potatoes in chocolate cake create a crunchy and soft texture. • Lesser-daring options include: + Drizzling chocolate over roasted chickpeas or popcorn for a sweet and salty snack. + Exploring flavored chocolate bars at your local department store for a traditional experience. • World Chocolate Day is a celebration of the endless possibilities of enjoying chocolate, from unique flavor combinations to traditional treats.