Source: Columbus discovery of Chocolate
In the year of our Lord 1502, Christopher Columbus stepped foot on dry land as the ocean sprays tattered the side of the boat. The sand surrendered under his foot and escaped into the ocean. He turned glancing toward the horizon. The ship floated on the waves sitting as if waiting for his return. His crew scurried around readying for the expedition. Christopher wiped the sweat from his brow then led the way. This was his fourth voyage to the America’s and the heat in August was brutal. His thoughts traveled over his consciousness of what encounters lay ahead. This land held plenty of adventures and he looked forward to each one.
After what seemed an eternity, Christopher glanced upward the thick leaves let sunlight through sparingly. They must have traveled several hours. A noise up ahead stopped him. He could hear the ocean waves just beyond the greenery but there was something else entwined with the surf. He motioned to the man behind him to quietly move forward and explore the sound. They peered through the thick vegetation. A few natives stood around a large wooden canoe. The canoe was the largest native vessel the Spaniards had ever seen. They gazed at the large ship that was as long as a galley and filled with local goods. Columbus and his men circled the inhabitants retaining the skipper as their guide. The crew rummaged through the bounty finding an interesting shaped bean.
At first, Christopher neglected the almond looking bean until he drank the concoction. Despite the bitterness of the drink produced, he observed the blend was a divine drink which built up resistance and fought fatigue. A couple of days later, he detected that a cup of this precious drink permits a man to walk for a whole day without food.
Columbus watched as the last of the cargo was loaded on the vast ship. He would travel back home then sail for the India’s. He wasn’t sure how he felt about taking the native’s back with him and his crew but it was his mission to bring back his new discoveries.
Ferdinand, Columbus’ son was amazed at the value the Native Americans placed on these beans they called caco. He watched their reaction as one of the beans fell to the plank floor. He grabbed an inkwell and wrote down what he saw for his records. “They seemed to hold these almonds, the caco at a great price; for when they were bought on board ship together with their goods, I observed that when any of these almonds fell, they all stooped to pick it up, as if an eye had fallen.”
Columbus secured the group and ordered the captain to set sail for their journey home. He glance back at the American’s as it faded out of sight and wondered if he would visit this land again.
I hope you enjoyed my short but basically true story(taken from facts) of when Christopher Columbus discovered caco aka chocolate.
Source: About Winds of the Heart
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Source: The Chocolatier
Sounds like an awesome book!
Shattered Memories Book 1 in the Charleston Earthquake Series
What a descriptive story.. Earthquakes, the devastation, the loss of life and the people who help in the aftermath! I liked how this family of Doctors practiced not only their profession but their faith.. It was a historical book, a family’s story of friends, enemies, so full of intrigue and mystery. When Olivia lost her memory during the earthquake and doesn’t remember which of the handsome young men is, was, could be her fiance?? The story takes us down some mysterious paths! If you like history, mystery and romance.. You will love this story!
My opinion..It’s going on my favorites list! I was gifted a copy by the author and Celebrate Lit to review and participate in the Shattered Memories Blog Tour.
HEY, before you go~ please leave a comment.. Debbie Lynne Costello has graciously offered…
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Source: Hinge? Are you Rusty or Oiled?
A rancher opened the stall door to retrieve his horse when he felt the weight of the barn door drag followed by a piercing screech from the hinge. The high pitch screech made the dog howl causing the chicken’s to fly the coop which sent the sheep baaaing across the field making the cattle scatter tearing down the fence. The rancher stood in the door way of his barn scratching his head observing all that just took place. He meant to oil the hinge but was too busy.
He oiled the hinge and opened the oak door again. This time the door swung back with ease and silence. He smiled thinking if he’d only oiled it when he first heard the screech he wouldn’t now be looking at the chaos in the barn yard.
In today society, you can find yourself being pulled in several directions, whether it be work, parenthood, or everyday life to the point of being overwhelm much like the rancher not having time to oil the hinge. Some days seem to feel like a heavy cloud squeezing tighter with each breath.
As in the case of the rancher watching all the destruction with the animals. If only we would take a few minutes each day and be oiled (Spending time with God reading his word) we wouldn’t become the rusty hinge carrying the heavy door (weight of the world or cares of life) making a screeching sound that disrupts everything around us or making the animals go chaotic.
Are you rusty or OILED?
Thought of the day:
Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalms 55:22 NIV
Source: Treat your Sweetie!
Treat your Sweet!
With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, why not treat your sweetie or yourself with a treat to satisfy your sweet tooth with a great read – The Chocolatier.
In The Chocolatier learn how Charles was inspired with Charlene whom isn’t fond of chocolate come up with a special Valentine chocolate. Charles, director over marketing of Riviera Chocolate also turns the valentine marketing campaign over to Charlene. This classy romance swirls two unlikely people in to an unusual relationship – one not fond of chocolate and the other determined to have her fall in love with the confection. Or is it him that he wants her to fall for?
Excerpt from, “The Chocolatier”
“One of the reasons, I hired you was because of not being particularly fond of chocolate and each time I learned something as I watched you when you sampled the pieces of chocolates. I understand that if I can find the right ingredients for you to fall in love with chocolate. Then I’ve accomplished my goal and I believe that I’ve done just that.” She swallowed hard again trying to relax. “This scripture came to mind yesterday, as I’ve watched you with the chocolate tasting. Then yesterday morning as we spoke I understood that if I used wisdom and took what I knew and used it then I could find the right ingredients. I used the knowledge of what I know about you and chocolate and I believe I found it. Are you ready?”
She squirmed hoping she wouldn’t disappoint him. “Yes.”
He lifted the chocolate and she took a piece slowly bringing it to her mouth, praying she would love it. The smell of berries and custard reached her nose before the chocolate and it activated her senses. She opened her mouth to receive the candy and as her mouth closed around the silky smooth creamy milk chocolate, a burst of strawberry delight shouted out into existence. The more she moved the chocolate-berry around in her mouth, the creamier it became causing her to close her eyes and let a soft humm escape.
He was so excited seeing her reaction knowing it was a success that he let out a very loud, “yes!” Words couldn’t express what he was feeling. To know what a great accomplishment he had just achieved that he engulfed her in an embrace causing her to chuckle. She reached and took another piece loving the taste.
“Why the flavor of berries and custard,” she asked.
“Something you did yesterday remind me of Christmas dinner with the Chocolate Strawberries and wa la Choclaberry.”
“Choclaberry huh, makes sense,” she stated.
“With Uncle already approving it first thing this morning, the only thing left to do was to pass it by you. All that is left to do is the slogan and paperwork. I need you to work late tonight. The staff is already on some of the slogan since I knew you would love it.”
“Wasn’t this a pretty big risk since I hadn’t tried it?”
“Once I got the revelation that’s it’s not just about chocolate, then I knew you would love it.”
“Alright, so what’s your plan as far as the campaign?”
“I believe Miss Callaway, the question is what your plan is?” Charlene shot him a glance of surprise. “That’s right this is your campaign. I came up with the product and I need you to come up with marketing and advertisement.”
She knew he understood what he was asking and she was determined not to let him down. He believed in her and that meant a great deal to her.
“Of course, you realize I will need to approve it.”
“Yes, Ch.. Mr. Riviera, I won’t let you down. I’ll go get started,” she said smiling as she stood to leave.
Charles gently took her hand. She held a breath at the feel of his touch. “Thank you Charlene, you’ve given me something that’s priceless and that I’ll always be indebted to you. This achievement is a triumph knowing I was the best that I could be. And you made that happen.”
The excitement of what he was feeling shown on his face and for a moment as she saw a familiar look in his eyes, one that she wanted but couldn’t have. He turned realizing what was happening, “Now, we need to get started on the slogan. I need you to get some things prepared for a meeting in about fifteen minutes. I need to introduce the staff to the one they will be answering to.”
“I’ll get right on it.” She knew this product needed to hit the shelf just after Christmas. She alerted the staff of the meeting and they rushed to prepare.
Charles was already in the conference room when she entered still wearing the smile of accomplishment. The staff rushed in prepared and the meeting began. Charles began, “we have what I believe will be a top seller chocolate for Valentines. As you know the competitor has already released their product and by the stats it’s well on its way to number one. As we have prepared the ingredients and taste tested it, Uncle has approved the chocolate.” He shot a slight smile toward Charlene and she blushed. She loved the way he always said “we” never boasting that it were his idea or taking the credit.
Available in ebook!