Chocolate Easter Eggs

3 DIFFERENT WAYS PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD ARE ENJOYING CHOCOLATES
Let’s face it: it’s hard not to love chocolate. This decadent treat offers a versatility that brings forth an eclectic range of flavour profiles, ensuring that there is always something for everyone. This love for chocolate is so ubiquitous that it has spread across the globe and is ingrained in cultures and traditions. Wherever you travel, you’re bound to find chocolates - the only question is: what kind of chocolate would it be? Chocolate Easter Eggs
In addition to traditional chocolates and candies, many countries have found fun and unique ways to consume chocolate. Some have cultural significance, whereas others just taste exquisite. Read on to find out how other cultures are enjoying this delicious treat.
Mole from Mexico
Otherwise known as molli in the language of the Aztec Empire, mole is a sauce that, according to colonial Spanish accounts, was mostly based on chiles. It was then grounded into a paste, diluted with a liquid and served with various meats. Contact between indigenous Mexicans and European, African and Asian traders naturally translates to the adoption and incorporation of ingredients, flavours, and cooking techniques, which eventually led to the development of the modern mole.
Traditionally, it is made on its own and poured over roasted or poached meats - it is a stand-alone sauce that acts as the backbone of a dish. Since mole is a broad umbrella term, naturally, there are several types of mole, including one with chocolates! Otherwise known as Mole Poblano, this “chocolate mole” gets its dark ebony colour and distinct, rich flavour from sugar and cacao. However, it’s not surprising to discover a bar of Mexican chocolate in the ingredient list. Other ingredients include Mulato peppers ( a key ingredient that gives the mole the much-loved smouldering heat), onions, garlic, nuts, avocado leaf, tortillas and sesame seeds.
Guatemalan mole is another type of mole that features a chocolate-heavy mole sauce with other ingredients like chillies, tomatoes and pumpkin seeds. This rich sauce is then served over fried plantains and topped with sesame seeds.
Tsokolate from the Philippines
Alongside Christianity, the Spanish conquistadors brought several plants from the New World to the Philippines, one of which is the cocoa tree. Since then, it has become a big part of Filipino celebrations, tsokolate making a star appearance during Noche Buena, the big meal that takes place after midnight mass on Christmas Eve. Take a step outside during Christmas night mass and you’ll see street vendors lining outside the church, offering a steaming hot tsokolate.
Tsokolate is made of pure cacao tablets and peanut discs or balls, dissolved in hot frothy milk and whisked using a batirol, a wooden stick with a steel pot. This creates a wonderfully thick and creamy drink that brings forth warmth and jolly merriment to welcome the Christmas festivities.
Giri and Honmei Chocolates from Japan
As customary in Japanese tradition where each element has a purpose and audience, these mindfulness and conscientiousness attitudes are extended to the selection and purchase of Valentine’s chocolates. There are two main types of chocolates given during this day: Giri choco (義理チョコ, or “obligatory chocolate”) and Honmei choco (本命チョコ, or “true love chocolate”). Giri chocolate is typically given to co-workers or colleagues to express friendship, gratitude, or indebtedness, whereas Honmei chocolate is given to significant partners or potential love interest as a form of Valentine’s Day confession. Honmei chocolates are typically personalised luxury chocolates, and some even choose to make them themselves.
There is a catch: only women would give out the chocolates during Valentine’s Day. Men would return the favour a month later on a holiday known as White Day. In keeping with the name, men would give white chocolates, marshmallows or white jewellery to women who had given them chocolates, regardless of the type.
Laurent Bernard: Chocolates Made For Your Pleasure
Chocolates not only bring you a wealth of flavours, but they also offer an experience. Quality chocolates are those that leave an impression that will last for days. With versatile gift baskets, chocolate boxes and cakes, Laurent Bernard Chocolatier is your go-to place to shop for gourmet chocolates in Singapore. We take pride in offering only fine, decadent artisan chocolates that have been perfected over the years and you’re guaranteed to fall in love at every bite. Place an order by 2359 and enjoy next-day delivery.