The beginnings of chocolate were found in Mesoamerica, where the beans of the Theobroma cacao were ground and roasted and made into beverages, dating back to 1900 B.C. The Mayan and Aztec cultures also are known in chocolate history. Priests in those cultures presented cacao seeds as offering to the gods and served chocolate drinks during their religious ceremonies. Later, Europeans sweetened and fattened it up by adding refined sugar and milk. The Europeans used it as a dessert or sweet rather than as a diet item (as in the case of the Mayan's and Aztec's). It was John Cadbury, in the 19th century, that developed the emulsification process that made solid chocolate thus creating the modern chocolate bar of today.
Many of today's most popular desserts are made from chocolate. From cakes to cookies, puddings to ice cream, chocolate seems to have risen to the top of the sweets and dessert industry. Not all the desserts are chocolate alone, however. Chocolate can be combined with many other ingredients, like fruit and nuts, grains like oatmeal, or even simply used as a garnish to make many varied and delicious desserts.
Here is a recipe for a banana loaf (made with chocolate chips) that includes a host of various ingredients. It is a favorite at my house and I'm sure it will please you too!
Banana Coconut Chocolate Chips Bread
3 ripe bananas
½ cup white sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
1 egg
1 1/4 cups flour
1/2 cup oatmeal
¼ cup melted butter
1 tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. salt
¾ cup chocolate chips
¾ cup shredded coconut
In food processor, process bananas until smooth. Add all other ingredients (except coconut and chocolate chips). Add melted butter last, drizzling in from top. Process until smooth. Open lid of food processor and stir in chocolate chips and coconut until well combined. Turn mixture into a greased and floured loaf pan. Bake at 350° F. for about one hour, until toothpick inserted in centre comes out clean.
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