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Chocolate began as currency and ritual drink in pre-modern Latin America before becoming Europe’s fashionable beverage. Today’s artisanal makers honor these roots while pushing creative boundaries. Our conversation in this episode reveals chocolate’s cultural significance, the science behind different varieties, and practical guidance for hosting chocolate and cheese tastings at home.
We dig into the Dutch innovation that gave us cocoa powder in 1828, Joseph Fry’s game-changing chocolate bar in 1847, and what makes today’s artisanal chocolates distinctive. Along the way, Ashley shares tips for pairing chocolate with complementary flavors and walks us through the differences between dark, milk, and white chocolate varieties.
Join us for stories of chocolate drinks and bars, childhood favorites, and professional insights about this extraordinary food. If you’ve ever wondered about chocolate’s origins, considered hosting a tasting, or simply love chocolate in all its forms, this episode serves up both knowledge and inspiration.

Resources
Keep the learning going and explore more about chocolate with these websites and resources:
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