Celebration of Chocolate Month   February is Celebration of Chocolate Month, and what a perfect month to celebrate! From the rich dark varieties to the milk chocolate - and all of the ways to cook and enjoy – chocolate is a satisfying, indulgent treat. Cooking with chocolate is definitely a passion of mine because it is incredibly versatile, and oh so delicious! [caption id="attachment_5909" align="alignleft" width="273"] Image: http://www.sxc.hu/profile/elehrke 1[/caption]   The history of how chocolate evolved to the treat we enjoy today is fascinating, too…   The earliest record of chocolate dates back all the way to 1800 B.C. Chocolate residue left in the bottom of a bowl was found in Chiapas, Mexico - making this the earliest known evidence of cacao being processed.   It wasn’t until recent history, however, that chocolate was used in the form you probably think of – a treat. Chocolate was always enjoyed as a drink for hundreds of years, and it wasn’t until 16^th Century Europe that it was enjoyed sweetened. Cane sugar and other flavorings were added by the Spanish to enjoy chocolate as a hot and sweet chocolate drink.   And it wasn’t until the mid 1600’s that chocolate was introduced and served in a solid form and eaten in rolls and cakes at chocolate emporiums. I can imagine the excitement and joy that the first little shop brought as it served this amazing new creation for the first time.   Making all of the chocolaty treats here at Lucia & Co. definitely brings me joy…   Happy Celebration of Chocolate Month!