Two of my favorite things. Chocolate and classic recipes recreated with contemporary flair. Our friends at Mars Wrigley Confectionery are doing a fantastic mashup this July 4th, that incorporates more than just contemporary takes on classics.

Oh, The Mystery Of It All

Mars has partnered with several of America’s most iconic historic venues, and when folks visit around the 4th holiday, they’ll learn not only about the nation’s history, but debunk many myths and legends about chocolate as well. Didn’t realize there were legends about chocolate? Oh yes there are – it’s not Scandal or Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura, but there is castle intrigue around chocolate.

One for instance: Christopher Columbus not only discovered America, he discovered chocolate, bringing cacao beans back to the Spanish court in the early 1500s. And those cacao beans were so valued, they were used as currency in the Aztec Empire. George Washington, the first U.S. President, was known to throw down a “chocolate cream” for breakfast. We’re not sure if it was loaded or plain, but it clearly helped him get through the Presidency.

There Was More Going On Beyond Electricity

It wasn’t exactly the black market, but Benjamin Franklin was known to sell chocolate in his print shop. An early precursor to Barnes & Noble perhaps? And it has traditionally been included in military provisions throughout history. A little comfort food for the troops.

To tell the story of chocolate in America, Mars 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 to educate consumers on the history of the Americas through the unique lens of chocolate.

Yes, Virginia, There Is A Chocolate Historian

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 18^th century-inspired chocolate-making demonstrations. AMERICAN HERITAGE® Chocolate has also collaborated with its site partners for a fantastic free E-zine filled with delicious recipes and fun facts to share with family and friends while entertaining this summer.

Mars Wrigley Confectionery has graciously agreed to share three recipes that are representative of those that will be shared via the newsletter, which will be available on July 2. Register to receive your copy at  www.americanheritagechocolate.com.

• AMERICAN HERITAGE® Historic Fudge
• AMERICAN HERITAGE® Chocolate Stuffed Apple Roses with Chocolate Strawberry Sauce
• Monticello AMERICAN HERITAGE® Chocolate Block Ice Cream

Title photo by Anthony Garand on Unsplash.