So, everyone loves chocolate or so it would seem. I started to do a little bit of research on its origins. There are many great articles out there on the florilegium, and other places so it was not too hard to get the general idea. Not to mention a few books. Yes, if you are pendantic about it chocolate drinks are in period, but only just, and within a very specific context. I will let you read and decide for yourself… (a couple links below)

So with information culled form various sources, and a list in hand I went to my favourite grocery here in SW Ohio, Jungle Jim’’s.

The list was fairly simple:

* Chile de Arbol
* Cocoa beans
* A cane sugar the name of which escapes me (you can now find this in Kroger. It is a sugar with a lot of molasses content)
* cinnamon
* A Mollonio

It was easy enough to find all these, except the mollinio. That item eluded me. The chiles I found in a huge basket and cost next to nothing compared to the amount I have. The beans took a little searching, something that is never a chore at the Jungle, but I found them. The sugar was right next to several varieties of Mexican chocolate (another item I had read about) which I also purchased.

I had the items on my list but I continued to look around, I am always finding new and exciting things here! Once home I tried the recipes provided and they were not too bad. I am not sure about using the beans as I had, even after grinding them in a coffee grinder, rather large chunks left over in the cups. Water was ok but I stepped a bit oop and used milk, much better. Next I tried the Mexican chocolate, the Ibarra brand, Very nice. It still had cocoa nibs in it but they were tolerable and very tasty actually. The fact that I did not have to remove the outer layer of the bean, grind it, and then strain the hot mix made this one my favourites (and it's OK with water too). So anyway if you are interested check out the links below, and take your research from there.

cheers

Addendum (many months later):

There is a Mexican grocer that comes around my neighborhood and sells all manner of goods. I never got the chance to actually shop in the truck but I envisioned rows of Molonios. I finally did locate one at Jungle Jim's after searching each and every time I went there. It was a combo pack a tall blue pan and the molonio. I think it has been there a while as it was sitting on a shelf nestled between sombreros and tortilla warmers. Every time I go back to JJ I look amidst the warmers and sombreros. Nary a molonilo is to be found

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_chocolate

http://www.fieldmuseum.org/chocolate/history.html

The True History of Chocolate by Sophie D.Coe and Michael Coe
The most recognized in-depth history of chocolate.
http://www.amazon.com/True-History-Chocolate-Sophie-Coe/dp/0500282293