Cocoa

     Word on the street is that chocolate is healthy. It's true (and not true....). It's true that cocoa has many health benefits, but over processed, full-o-sugar chocolate isn't really the greatest for you.   
    Cocoa being a healthy thing isn't new though.

    In a book titled "Our Coloured Picture Book" (I am not sure of it's exact publishing date), there is a beautiful ad for Fry's Cocoa. 

Fry's Cocoa Advertisement

     At the bottom of the ad are testimonials regarding the quality of Fry's cocoa, but also the health benefits.  

Testimonials

    My favourite testimonial is from Sir C.A. Cameron, M.D. President of the Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland, & C. (who, by the way, passed away in 1921, so, he would have said this before he died, as a clue for the age of this publication) "....It is especially adapted to those whose digestive organs are weak, and I strongly recommend it as a substitute for tea for young persons". 

   I love that he recommends it as a tea substitute for "young persons"….young persons in Ireland drink a lot of tea, apparently. Anyone read "Tis"?

   The recipe for making hot chocolate in a Rawleigh's "Good Health Guide" that I have from 1929 involves a double boiler, another saucepan, and using a Dover egg beater (ya know, one of the old school beaters that you hold with one hand, and turn the handle for the mixer with the other). So, instead of sharing that recipe, I will share my favourite recipe, from one my favourite blogs, Chocolate Covered Katie:
http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2012/01/26/the-perfect-hot-chocolate/

Photo courtesy of Katie over at Chocolate Covered Katie.

    As the colder weather creeps in, it's good to have a yummy, healthy hot chocolate recipe on hand. Enjoy!