The Excess and Waste of the French Nobility

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If you've ever read A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens, you may remember the chapter that describes the elaborate process "Monseigneur, one of the great lords in power at the Court," has in place to enjoy a cup of chocolate which involves the cook and four servants. The author intended to demonstrate the excess and waste of the French nobility at the time. However, there is some historical background missing from this context.

Chocolate's Rich History in Mexico

Chocolate has a long and rich history in Mexico, dating back to the ancient Mesoamerican civilizations. The Mayans and Aztecs believed it was a gift from the gods and used it for ceremonial and medicinal purposes. 

According to the accounts of the Spanish conquistadors, when the Aztec emperor Moctezuma II welcomed Hernán Cortés and his men in 1519, he offered them a variety of gifts, including a foaming hot chocolate drink made from ground cacao beans, which they didn't like.

The Intricate Ritual of Serving Chocolate

The process of serving chocolate was a complex and intricate ritual. First, the cacao beans were roasted and ground into a fine paste, then mixed with water, spices, and other flavorings such as honey, chili pepper, cinnamon, or vanilla. This mixture was poured from a height into a large, ornate vessel, a xocolatl, decorated with intricate designs and symbols.

The xocolatl was passed among participants, starting with the most important person, who took a small sip. This symbolized unity, communion, and the Aztecs' respect for the cacao plant's divine properties.

Over time, chocolate became increasingly popular in Europe, with sugar added to sweeten the bitter taste. By the 18th century, chocolate had become a luxury item consumed exclusively by the wealthy, bringing us back to Monseigneur.

Even today, achieving the perfect cup of hot chocolate is not as easy as simply microwaving a pre-made packet. Here is a traditional Mexican hot chocolate recipe that still requires patience and perseverance but doesn't require an entourage of four servants and a cook as in times past. 

Mexican Hot Chocolate Recipe

Note: A molinillo is a decorated long wooden stick with a grooved head at the bottom that creates foam by incorporating air as it rotates.

Hot Chocolate Ingredients:

• 2 cups of milk 

• 120 grams of crushed semi-sweet chocolate

• 1 stick of cinnamon about 5 cm long

• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

• 4 tablespoons of almond flour or ground almonds (optional)

• 4 tablespoons of brown sugar 

Pour the milk into a large pot. Add the cinnamon stick and the chocolate. Heat the milk over high heat while stirring until the chocolate completely dissolves. Keep your eyes on the pot because it boils very quickly.

When the milk starts to boil, lower the temperature and add the ground almonds and brown sugar. Let it simmer gently for 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat. Hold the molinillo between your palms and rapidly rotate it back and forth to create a frothy layer on top of the hot chocolate.