Chocolate is part of our culture and a bigger part of the sweets culture in America. But it’s been part of our history since before our country was a nation. Over the centuries, the recipe for chocolate has changed and so has the use of it in our culture. To celebrate the history of chocolate and how it helped shape our country Mars has created American Heritage Chocolate. It is an artisan Chocolate made from a recipe from 1750 and only made from ingredients available in the 18th century. American Heritage® Chocolate is sold exclusively by living history sites, museums and specialty gift shops that support the mission of education. Profits from the sale of American Heritage® Chocolate are made by these locations in your community.
Mars sent us a variety of American Heritage Chocolates to try out, including sticks, chocolate blocks, chocolate drink and chocolate squares. Every item is made with the same recipe they used in the 1750’s and while it’s different than the chocolate we’re use to today the pure flavors and ingredients are evident. With a bit of a bitter taste from the dark chocolate nature and a hint of cinnamon the American Heritage Chocolate are the perfect balance of sweetness that will help tame any sweet tooth. Just one bite and you’re transported back in time a little and the flavors may make you wonder why our chocolate doesn’t taste anywhere as good as the recipes of the past.
Did you know that chocolate has played a huge role in our history? Even with our founding fathers? For example, did you know that cacao beans were used as form of currency dating back to the Aztec Empire, Christopher Columbus discovered America AND chocolate, bringing cacao beans back to the Spanish court in the early 1500s, George Washington drank “chocolate cream” at breakfast, Benjamin Franklin sold chocolate in his print shop, or chocolate has traditionally been included in military provisions throughout history?
Often through food we can learn a lot, be transported to a different place and American Heritage Chocolates help transport you to another time. There is a lot you can learn about even our own history through chocolate, and you will find out why it’s still such a bit part of our culture to this day.
You can learn more about the history of chocolate and where you can purchase American Heritage Chocolates. Be sure to get some of their great chocolates and try out this historic fudge recipe, it’ll be perfect for all of your holiday celebrations.
AMERICAN HERITAGE® Historic Fudge
A charming take on a classic from the New-York Historical Society’s BV Cookery, circa early 20th Century, gets a modern-day boost from AMERICAN HERITAGE® Chocolate. Perfect for sharing!
Servings: 60 squares
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups sugar
- ½ cup AMERICAN HERITAGE® Chocolate Drink Mix
- Butter the size of a large egg (about 4 tablespoons, with extra to grease the pan)
- 1 cup milk
PREPARATION
- Boil until it’s sugary on the sides of the pan and puffs up and is thick,” is all the undated manuscript offers. We offer the following elaboration: Combine sugar, milk and AMERICAN HERITAGE® Chocolate Drink Mix in a medium saucepan, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer.
- To check if it’s done, drop a small ball into a bowl of cold water. It should form a soft ball. Or use a sugar thermometer and cook until 240 degrees F. Remove from the heat and beat well with a spoon. The mixture should be very thick and about to set. Pour into a greased 8×8-inch baking pan and let cool. Cut into squares and serve.
About American Heritage Chocolate:
Mars Chocolate North America has partnered with sites such as Fort Ticonderoga, Colonial Williamsburg, Mount Vernon, The National Archives, Monticello, and The Smithsonian to not only sell AMERICAN HERITAGE® Chocolate, fashioned off ingredient lists from the 1750’s, but also to educate consumers on the history of the Americas through the unique lens of chocolate. Some of the aforementioned venues including Smithsonian National Museum of American History, Fort Ticonderoga, National Archives, Old North Church and Genesee Country Village Museum will offer free samples, chats with AHC’s Chocolate Historian and 18th century-inspired chocolate-making demonstrations. AMERICAN HERITAGE® Chocolate has also collaborated with its site partners for a fantastic free E-zine filled with delicious summer recipes and fun facts to share with family and friends while summer entertaining.