Chocolate was known to the Mayans as food of the gods and to the Aztec’s as a source of wisdom. As cocoa beans, it was taken from the “New” World in the late 15th century by Christopher Columbus and cultivated as currency in the 16th by Hernando Cortez in Mexico. Over the years, Europeans mixed cocoa in various ways and processed it into beverages, fondants, powders and candies. Today it is wildly available and is an excellent ingredient for baking.
Chocolate Macaroons
A delicious stove-top treat that kids can help make.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup margarine
- 2 cups sugar
- ½ cup canned milk
- 10 Tbsp cocoa
- 3 ½ cups rolled oats
- 1 ¼ cups long cut coconut
Directions:
- Cut and lay a long strip of wax paper on counter top.
- Combine the first 4 ingredients in a medium pot (Children of any age can do this) and melt over medium heat.
- Stir continuously until boiling begins (This is a good task for an older child).
- When boiling begins, add rolled oats and coconut. Stir until mixed and remove from heat.
- Drop by spoonfuls onto waxed paper (This is where even small children can help, but remind them that the mixture is hot).
- Let sit on counter until set.
- Store flat, using waxed paper between layers of macaroons.
Notes:
For more evenly formed macaroons and to help them stick together, quickly roll the mixture into balls.
White Chocolate Brownies
A wonderful sweet that serves well without icing.
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup flour
- 1/3 cup cocoa
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 Tbsp water
- ½ cup oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- ½ c white chocolate chunks
- 2 Tbsp ground Callebaut chocolate
Directions:
- Combine flour, cocoa, salt and sugar.
- Make a well in dry ingredients and pour in the water, oil, eggs and vanilla.
- Mix and beat until smooth.
- Stir in white chocolate.
- Empty into a grease 9” square pan and bake in a 325 F oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- Sprinkle the ground chocolate on top of brownie immediately after removing it from the oven. It should melt and create a type of icing.
Notes:
Serves well warm with vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup.
Keeps well in an airtight container.
Final Words
Chocolate macaroons and White Chocolate Brownies are two easy and delicious chocolate desserts. They are common treats that demonstrate how chocolate has grown from a food for the gods to an everyday baking staple of the people. They can be enjoyed in any season and served with a lovely rhubarb compote.
Other easy chocolate treat ideas for kids are Dirt and Jumping in Mud Puddles.
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