Happy National Bittersweet Chocolate Day ! ! ! 

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A Brief History:
Origination: National Bittersweet Chocolate Day celebrates the origin of bittersweet chocolate. The narrative of bittersweet chocolate traces the transformation of the bitter cacao beverage from ancient cultures into the sweet, sophisticated confection we recognize today. The first recorded use of cacao seeds can be traced to approximately 1100 BC. All chocolate dates back to ancient Maya and Olmec civilizations of southern Mexico are acknowledged for the invention of chocolate. The term xocolatl is derived from the Aztec language, combining the words xoco, which translates to “bitter,” and atl, meaning “water.” No introductions are needed for this highly treasured food that dates back to 1900 BC. At that time, the Maya from Central America, the first connoisseurs. People celebrate every day with bittersweet chocolate by baking, and special occasions like anniversaries, birthdays and a great day, to go alongside. The evolution of bittersweet chocolate in its present form and its creation from the cocoa bean can be traced from the Xocolatl-loving Olmec, Maya and Aztecs of Mexico dating back to the era of between 1900 BC to 1500 BC. The Maya considered bittersweet chocolate to be food of the gods, with the cacao tree being held to be sacred.

Bittersweet chocolate-walnut bundt cake courtesy of Openverse

More Recent Evolution: Chocolate was mostly bitter in its heydays, and symbolized Spanish nobility. The industrial revolution created a method to make solid chocolate. During World War I, chocolate companies had to be resourceful with limited supplies, leading to the creation of popular chocolate bars like Snickers, Kit Kats, and Rolos. Recent trends show a rise in demand for dark chocolate due to its health benefits and the Fair Trade movement, which ensures fair treatment and pay for cacao growers. Additionally, chocolate is being used in skincare products and in spa treatments, such as the chocolate fondue wrap at Hotel Hershey. Bittersweet chocolate has a higher cocoa content and offers a complex flavor balancing bitterness and sweetness.

Baking & Bittersweet CHocolate: Bittersweet chocolate is used in baking recipes because they often have added sugar. This way, the entire cookie is sweet, not just the chocolate chips. Milk chocolate with sugar in the dough would make it too sweet overall.

More Recently: Bittersweet chocolate is characterized by its deep darkness and high content of chocolate liquor, while ideally achieving a harmonious balance between robust chocolate flavor and a pleasing sweetness. This type of chocolate consists of a mixture of chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, a small quantity of sugar, and often includes vanilla and lecithin. The classification of modern chocolate is determined by the proportion of pure cocoa, which distinguishes it as dark, semi-sweet, or bittersweet. Specifically, dark chocolate contains over 70% cocoa, bittersweet chocolate comprises 70% cocoa with 30% sugar, and semi-sweet chocolate consists of 60% cocoa and 40% sugar.

Celebrated: January 10^th every year!

Bittersweet Chocolate Shortcake courtesy of Openverse

A Few Facts:
I am sharing a few facts, and more, some trivia, some not trivial. . .

Different Flavors of Bittersweet Chocolate:

• Bittersweet Chocolate
• Semisweet Chocolate
• Unsweetened Chocolate (or Baking Chocolate)
• Cocoa Powder
• Cocoa
• Cacao
• More. . .

The Evolution of Chocolate Candy:

Photo by congerdesign courtesy of Pixabay

The Present:
People all over the world, including the U.S. are enjoying their bittersweet chocolate–usually in baking: the aroma; every day! 

The Future:
Let’s give thanks and enjoy bittersweet chocolate this great year and in the years to come. . .

FREEBIES &DEALSFor National Bittersweet Chocolate Day:
🍫 FREE National Bittersweet Chocolate Day: Fonts
🍫 FREE:National Bittersweet Chocolate Day: Crafts + Printable
🍫 FREE National Bittersweet Chocolate Day:Sheet music
🍫 CHEAP: National Bittersweet Chocolate Day: Ideas, Crafts & Worksheets
🍫 FREE: National Bittersweet Chocolate Day:AT “Hey It’s Free”

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Guittard single origin bittersweet chocolate courtesy of Openverse

National Bittersweet Chocolate Day