Creating Chocolate

I love chocolate! Eating it, drinking it, smelling it, and having it painted onto my body in the Xocolatl Skin Replenishment treatment (read my rave review on that here). Chocolate makes me very happy. I must admit, while I’ve often wondered, I never really knew how chocolate was made. It had not occurred to me to think about the farm the beans came from, how the pods grow, the different varieties of plants, or how they were harvested, purchased, fermented, roasted, peeled, ground, mixed, tempered, and molded, until I recently had the privilege of attending the Divino Cacao: Exploring Mexican Chocolate Craft & History offered by Rancho La Puerta a few weeks ago.

The class is a quick van ride away from The Ranch

This class is a captivating journey into the rich heritage of Mexican chocolate. From the ancient traditions of the Aztecs and Maya to the contemporary chocolate renaissance, you will discover the unique flavors and traditions that define Mexican chocolate. Guided by Executive Chef Reyna Venegas, you will engage in a hands-on experience, from roasting cacao beans to crafting exquisite “chocolate de mesa” and more! This class seamlessly blends history and craft, offering a delectable exploration of the divine world of Mexican cacao and its healing properties.

Itinerary:

9:45 am – Meet at Front Desk for departure
10:00 am – Arrive at La Cocina Que Canta
10:15 am – Introduction to Mexican cacao history, healing benefits and tradition. Cacao toasting, grounding and shaping into bars for “chocolate de mesa”. Preparation of “Xocolatl” as a beverage and as a dessert.
11:30 am – Cacao meditation circle 
11:50 am – Hands-on cooking class
12:50 pm – Acknowledgments, Q&A, thank you!
1:00 pm – Return

3 hours – $90 tax included.  Sign Up Here
Thank you, Reyna for this unique and sweet experience.