A few weeks ago, I headed down to DC with American Heritage Chocolate to speak at the Colonial Chocolate Society Meeting during a “Meet the Bloggers” panel. It was pretty amazing. I have embraced my history obsession in recent years and being in a city so steeped with our nation’s history (and being so.very.close to where George Washington spent so much time!) was just amazing in and of itself! I love working with American Heritage Chocolate- in my kitchen and on my blog. It’s a great brand and really, it’s just kind of so cool to be cooking with something that my great-great-great-great-great-great-great someone or other likely used as well. Being able to bring the past into my present and make it real and vibrant has been a really enjoyable experience- and has truly ignited a passion for history I didn’t know I had!
While in DC at the CCS meeting, we got to meet Dr. Howard-Yana Shapiro, Chief Agricultural Officer, Mars International, who is hands down one of the smartest and one of the most interesting people I’ve met in my life. He’s also the author of the Great Moments in Chocolate History Book, is the first book in a two–book agreement between Mars and National Geographic Society. He’s just got this way about him- he’ll captivate you. You’ll feel it in the Great Moments book as you walk through the history of chocolate, which is so interwoven with so much of not just American History but global history. And here we’ve spent all this time thinking it was just delicious….
Getting to listen to someone who’s written an entire book about the history of something so hugely important to our history was pretty amazing. And he’s so humble! He’s the guy who found the cocoa bean’s genome! But he’s also got a dry wit and knows what he’s talking about- and has a whole lot of passion for both chocolate and the history of it…so listening to him was very humbling, and not an experience I’ll soon forget. I should have asked for a photo. I did get him to sign my copy of Great Moments though!
“The appeal of chocolate has always crossed the boundaries of time, culture, socio–economic groups, gender and generation,” said Howard–Yana Shapiro. “This book brings the story to life through detailed information and extraordinary images based on decade’s worth of research by Mars and our uncommon collaborators.”
The Great Moments in Chocolate History book is 208 pages all about chocolate. What’s not to love? There’s also 20 recipes from around the world- with chocolate as a main ingredient, of course. There’s also a whole lot of fun trivia-fun fact: chocolate was used as blood on the walls in the movie “Psycho!” Another fun fact: M&Ms were actually invented to get chocolate to soldiers- that’s why they melt in your mouth, not in your hands. If you have a chocolate lover, a foodie, a history buff, an avid reader or a science enthusiast on your holiday shopping list, grab them a copy of Great Moments in Chocolate History. You won’t be sorry. One reader will win a Great Moments in Chocolate History Prize Pack which includes: • “Great Moments In Chocolate History” • American Heritage® Chocolate block • American Heritage® Chocolate drink
Thanks to American Heritage Chocolate and Mars for inviting me to be part of the CCS meeting and sponsoring today’s chocolate history book post!
Tainan Lu says
It is made in the US
Robyn Bellefleur says
I learned that this chocolate is made in the USA.
Crystal Porter says
I learned that chocolate translates to “food of the gods”
Kim Serum says
I learned that The Great Moments in Chocolate History book is 208 pages with 20 recipes featuring chocolate!
Keisha Gardner says
I learned that they had chocolate during the Spanish Inquisition! I love history and chocolate!
lynn clayton says
October 18, 2012 WAS THE FOUNDING DATE
Yvie says
This one is made in the US
Amanda Alvarado says
I learned that this chocolate is made in the USA!
Amanda P says
I learned that these chocolates and sold in museums!
Helena says
The book has contributions from 45 authors, including researchers, culinary chefs, food scientists
Shannon Gurnee says
I love anything and everything chocolate! This would definitely be something I would love to have.
LaTanya says
It was Founded on October 18, 2012
Stephanie Liske says
In 2003, MARS Incorporated undertook an extensive global research initiative to uncover the true history of chocolate.
Carolyn G says
I learned MARS Incorporated undertook an extensive global research initiative to uncover the true history of chocolate
Paol Trenny says
I learned that their chocolate contains many spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, chili pepper, orange, anise and vanilla.
April Mims says
This sounds so interesting! Books and chocolate are two of my favorite things in life. Even better when they can be combined!
Tatanisha Pitts-Worthey says
After seeing several post about this, the feeling of wanting this book gets even stronger! That cup of hot chocolate looks so goood!
Tina W says
I think it’s cool that he discovered the genome for chocolate. Science + food = magic!
Ashley C says
I learned that American Heritage Chocolate is owned by Mars Chocolate!
Kyl Neusch says
tasty drink
Ann Fantom says
I learned the Latin word for chocolate translates to “food of the gods.”
Bonnie @wemake7 says
I learned the Latin word for chocolate translates to “food of the gods”. Great giveaway!
Ann Fantom says
I learned that the Latin word for chocolate translates to “food of the gods.”
Up Run for Life says
This chocolate looks delicious. I love chocolate but it’s something I need to cut back on.
ashleigh says
That is quite the book chocked full of deliciousness! I think this would be something worth sharing with a cooking class in high school, if some still have those.
Ann Bacciaglia says
I am a huge fan of everything Chocolate. I love American Heritage Chocolate. It is so delicious in hot chocolate.
rosey says
Ah that does sound like a great trip. I like history a bit too!
Cynthia C says
I learned that in 2003, MARS Incorporated undertook an extensive global research initiative to uncover the true history of chocolate.
Rebecca B. says
This would be a great gift for any chocolate lover!! Love the history lesson too!!
Shaun says
You’re killllling me. #GimmeAllTheChocolate
Rebecca Swenor says
This indeed sounds like an interesting book about chocolate history. I love history and chocolate so I will have to check this book out for sure. This is such a great giveaway and it is the perfect time of year for it too.
Heather Pfingsten says
I learned that MARS has been manufacturing the highest quality American chocolate confections for more than 100 years.
Heather Pfingsten says
Oh my goodness, how fun and awesome is this! I can totally see you in this scene and loving every moment; I would too (why didn’t you take me with you?)! And umm, the chocolate. HOLY WOW!
ricci says
Wow!! That hot chocolate looks super rich and super yummy!!
rika says
I love chocolate! This would be an interesting gift idea. Can’t wait to read the recipes!
Terri Ramsey Beavers says
You are killing me with that delicious looking chocolate. It’s cold out and a cup of hot chocolate would be good right now.
Megan Elford says
I am ALL about chocolate! I entered, and I’m hoping I win!
lisa says
This sounds like a great gift idea. It would be perfect for any chocolate lover!
Brandi Penguins in Pink says
What a fascinating sounding book! I bet it would look lovely on my coffee table next to my hot chocolate!
Angie says
Yummmmmm. So good.
Dogvills says
The chocolate drink looks so rich and delicious. This sounds like an interesting read.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
I need this for my coffee table. There are two things in this life that I love more than anything else – wine and chocolate. Love it!
Jeanette says
I am totally craving chocolate now. This would be a great book for us chocoholics out there! 🙂
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
Sounds like an interesting read for sure. Thanks for the info on it 🙂
Barbara Lima says
I learned in the “Great Moments of Chocolate” they discussed chocolate at the Witch Trials and the Spanish Inquisition.