Exercise
Tap all the highlighted words in the story below to see their definition. ⇩For some, it’s a source of comfort. For others, it’s a part of every celebration. A lot of us probably can’t imagine life without it.
We’re talking about chocolate, of course.
Read on to learn a bit about this famous treat!
The early days
There’s evidence that chocolate was enjoyed by ancient Mesoamericans around 1900 B.C. It began as a bitter drink which was then flavoured with honey, chili peppers, and other spices.
Because it’s an energizer, a mood enhancer, and an aphrodisiac, chocolate was thought to have mystical powers. Some cultures even worshipped a god of cacao!
Did you know?
- To make about two kilograms of chocolate, it takes 400 cacao beans.
- The tree that produces cacao beans is called Theobroma Cacao, which means “food of the gods.”
- About 70% of cacao comes from West Africa.
- Cacao beans were so valuable that Mesoamericans used them as currency!
Decadent desserts
Many people will tell you dessert isn’t really dessert without chocolate. If that sounds like you, here are a few mouth-watering dishes to try!
Brigadeiro
Made for all kinds of celebrations, this Brazilian treat is basically a sweet ball of soft fudge made of cocoa powder, condensed milk, and butter; it’s typically covered with sprinkles. It’s impossible to eat only one!
Religieuse
If you go to France, remember to taste the religieuse! This dessert is made of two pastry shells filled with chocolate or mocha cream. The shells are covered in ganache and joined together with buttercream frosting.
Sachertorte
This Austrian specialty is one of the most famous desserts in Vienna. It’s a dense chocolate cake with apricot jam spread between its layers and dark chocolate covering the top and sides. Sachertorte isn’t complete without a dish of unsweetened whipped cream!
Nama
Nama, created in Japan, is a smooth, creamy ganache. It’s cut into squares and sprinkled with cocoa powder. You can sometimes find nama in unique flavours like matcha, mango, and even wasabi!
Churros con chocolate
If you’ve tried fresh Spanish churros, you know they’re an amazing treat: Crispy yet soft, and covered in cinnamon and sugar. Now imagine adding chocolate. Churros con chocolate are served with a dish of rich, dark chocolate dip to make your churros even tastier!
Share your favourites
Time to share! Which dishes would be on your list of amazing chocolate desserts?
Death by Chocolate Comprehension
Share this Lesson 
Hi! I’m from Brazil. Here, we have lots of desserts with chocolate. My favorite is pavê. Is a kind of dessert with condensed milk, cookie and chocolate.
Hi Rodrigo, thank you so much for telling us about it 🙂
I love churros con chocolate, even that it’s not popular in the area a live. However, I was in Madrid for holidays and it’s very usual to have breakfast with churros con chocolate.
Hi Jorge, thanks for sharing this experience 🙂
The taste of chocolate is yummy, especially when eating vainilla ice cream with chocolate fudge.
I already provoke myself to eat one.
Thank you
It’s a great combination!
This topic is very interesteing, becacause , you know many things about the Cocolate…
Thanks, Gabriela 🙂
Hello. This topic is delicious.I love brigadeiro, churros and another dessert called ‘pudim’ which is made by condensed milk.
Thanks for telling us all about your favourite desserts 🙂