Blog
Chocolate blog
Recipes, fun facts and stories from the history of cocoa.
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What to buy in Prague: an honest guide to Czech souvenirs
The best Prague souvenirs worth taking home – Bohemian crystal, Czech garnets, puppets, Becherovka, spa wafers, chocolate – and the tourist traps to skip.
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Prague in winter: what to do in December, January and February
Planning Prague in winter? Real temperatures, Christmas markets, things to do in Prague in December, indoor ideas for cold days and where to warm up.
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Best museums in Prague: a local guide by theme
The best museums in Prague by theme: history, art, Kafka and Mucha, museums for kids and the Chocolate Museum – with tips for rainy days and city passes.
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History of chocolate: who invented it, and how it reached Europe
Who invented chocolate, and when? The history of chocolate from the Maya and Aztecs to Europe’s royal courts, the first chocolate bar and the Belgian praline.
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Chocolate gifts from Prague: sweet ideas for Christmas
Looking for a Christmas gift from Prague? An experience gift card, Belgian chocolates, a chocolate workshop and a hot chocolate recipe to share.
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Xocolatl: the original Aztec chocolate drink (recipe)
How the Aztecs drank chocolate: a spicy, sugar-free xocolatl with cocoa paste, vanilla, chili and achiote. An easy recipe to make at home.
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Three types of cocoa tree: Forastero, Criollo and Trinitario
Forastero, Criollo or Trinitario? How the three main cocoa varieties differ in taste, where they grow and why cocoa production is under threat.
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Cocoa beans: from Aztec money to “food of the gods”
Cocoa beans were once Aztec currency, and the cocoa tree’s Latin name means “food of the gods”. Three surprising facts about cocoa.
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Where does cocoa come from? A short history and geography
From the Maya in Mexico to the Ivory Coast: where cocoa trees first grew, where they grow today and how cocoa pods are harvested.
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Chocolate orgasm: an easy Valentine’s chocolate cake
A rich chocolate cake from five ingredients for Valentine’s Day: dark chocolate, butter, sugar, eggs and a spoon of flour. Baked in 20 minutes.
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Why chocolate on Valentine’s Day? The story of 14 February
From the priest Valentine to Moctezuma’s 50 cups of cocoa: how 14 February became the feast of lovers and why we give chocolate.
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Valentine’s Day in Japan: giri-choco, honmei-choco and White Day
In Japan, women give chocolate on 14 February and men return the favour on White Day, 14 March. What giri-choco, honmei-choco and tomo-choco mean.
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Belgian hot chocolate: the recipe
A thick, velvety Belgian hot chocolate for two: milk, dark and milk chocolate, vanilla and whipped cream, with an optional pinch of cinnamon.
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Is chocolate good for you? What cocoa really contains
Minerals, caffeine, fibre and antioxidants: what science says about the components of chocolate, from dark 70% to white chocolate.