Belgian Chocolate: The History Of Belgian Chocolate

Cocoa and products made from cocoa, such as chocolate, have been favorite treats amongst many countries and people. In fact, drinks and products derived from cocoa have been proclaimed by many cultures and civilizations as food of the gods and the food of royalty.

It has been stated that Christopher Columbus, in the latter part of the 15th century, brought back cocoa beans from the New World and introduced them to Europe. Even before Columbus’s experience the Spanish Conquistadors interacted with the Aztec Empire and traded cocoa beans for Aztec gold.

Probably the most important and well loved product derived from the cocoa bean is chocolate. Many nations have gained a reputation for producing a wonderful chocolate that is derived from the cocoa bean. One such nation is the country of Belgium.

History Of Belgian Chocolate

The history of Belgian chocolate really had its genesis when the country of Belgium acquired the Belgian Congo. The Belgian Congo is replete with cocoa fields. This acquisition of the Congo under the authority of the Belgians made the local fields easily accessible and available to process the cocoa beans.

This colonization of the Congo occurred in the year 1885 under the leadership of Leopold II. this colonization was not without its controversy as under this monarch’s leadership severe genocide took place. Despite the ugliness of these actions Belgians have maintained their connection to the Congo and have continued the importing of the cocoa beans.

Currently, the country of Belgium produces 172,000 tons of Belgian chocolate. It is also estimated that there are over 2,000 chocolate retail shops that operate within the country. Many producers of chocolate take great pride in their product and as such continue to make their exquisite chocolate products by hand.

Belgian Chocolate Praline

One of the unique Belgian chocolate confections is the Belgian chocolate praline. This particular product was developed by a Swiss family with the last name of Neuhaus. The introduction of the Belgian chocolate praline occurred in the year 1912 in the city of Brussels.

The uniqueness of the Belgian chocolate praline was the fact that this was the first chocolate product that was filled with another confection. Specifically, the center of this Belgian chocolate is made from cream, nuts or with another chocolate. This chocolate can either be milk chocolate or white chocolate.

Being a serious business and, one in which the quality of the Belgian chocolate is synonymous with one of the finest tasting chocolates in the world, the recipes are a well-kept secret.

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A Hot Chocolate Gift Warms The Heart

The snow is falling as the family huddles around the fireplace. Candles glow in the windows and the smell of gingerbread permeates the house. Light music is playing in the background as the family and friends gather to play board games, dominos and checkers. The night is peaceful and memories are being made. What could make this night any better than it is? A hot chocolate gift set is lying on the table just waiting to be opened. The crowd anticipates the warm smell of chocolate and the floating marshmallows on top to thrill them all the way to their toes. What a perfect evening!


Wide Variety Of Hot Chocolate Gifts

There are many choices when it comes to buying hot chocolate gifts. Dark chocolate is a popular type of chocolate available. Many prefer its subtle and not-so-sweet taste. Spicy chocolate is another variation of hot chocolate. Nutmeg, cinnamon, or other spices can be added to the hot chocolate itself to create a unique flavor. Also available are chocolate drinks with café mocha added to the mix. This provides a truly original flavor and blend. Many hot chocolate gift sets come with special mugs, spoons, or even marshmallow. They are beautifully decorated and appealing to the eye.


How To Choose Hot Chocolate Gifts

There are many occasions for giving a gift of hot chocolate. It is a wonderful way to say “I love you” to a spouse or loved one. The emotional connection that many have with chocolate of any kind endears the giver to the recipient immediately. Children love drinking hot chocolate with their friends on a cold night. For many, hot chocolate brings back fond memories of their own childhood.

These hot chocolate gifts make appropriate wedding presents for the newly-married couple to take with them on their honeymoon and enjoy together. Anniversaries are also a good time to give this delicious gift. A friend’s birthday is a great time to give hot chocolate and to share a cup together while visiting with each other. The chances to give these versatile goodies are endless. When buying a hot chocolate gift, look for good quality chocolate, even organically grown. This type of gift will taste exquisite and guarantee many kudos from the recipient. Overall, hot chocolate is a gift beloved by many and will be used to culminate special memories in the future.

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Some Chocolate Gift Ideas...

Making Someone’s Day with a Chocolate Gift, Would be a Perfect Choice

There are many different reasons and occasions for wanting to buy someone a gift. However, with all the different gift options to choose from, there is one gift that is universally acceptable: Chocolate. Whether it is for romantic or platonic reasons, there is nothing better than a chocolate gift.

So here are Some Chocolate Gift Ideas

When it comes to figuring out what to get someone for a chocolate gift, there are a variety of different options to choose from. Upon observation, one will find that there really is a chocolate gift for every celebration or reason imaginable.

Say, for example, that it is autumn and someone wants to commemorate that time of the year by purchasing a chocolate gift for that person’s coworkers. Some examples of a chocolate gift include a box of chocolates in the shape of squirrels, or perhaps a box of chocolates in the shape of autumn leaves with several different fillings.

Halloween is an excellent opportunity to give a chocolate gift. A great gift idea is to purchase a delectable chocolate cake with chocolate drizzled on the top as well as a decoration of a pumpkin in orange frosting.

Thanksgiving also presents a great opportunity to present guests with a chocolate gift. One idea is to purchase small chocolate turkeys and put them at each person’s place at the table. Not only is this a delicious treat, it also makes for a fun table decoration.

Of course, Christmas is a holiday that lends itself to endless chocolate gift opportunities, especially for children. When it comes to this holiday, one of the most popular gifts to buy is the chocolate Santa. The chocolate Santa makes a great stocking stuffer because it comes in a variety of different sizes and flavors.

Finally, the holiday that perhaps generates the most chocolate sales is that of Valentine’s Day. Whether it is for a friend or a lover, the most popular chocolate gift to buy is the classic heart-shaped box of chocolates. The box (and the chocolates ;) can be as ornate or as simple as one likes, as there are a variety of different styles to choose from.

To find the best chocolate gift for someone, visit a local chocolate store or bakery. One can also find many different options on the internet, as there are lots of websites that cater specifically to chocolate needs. Indeed, if one is looking for a gift that is guaranteed to be enjoyed, a chocolate gift is the perfect choice. Wouldn't you agree?

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