When the weather turns cool in the evenings, one of my favorite indulgences is Oaxacan hot chocolate from Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates, on L street, between 18th and 19th. It comes in a small 8 ounce cup, but the contents are rich, decadent and healing. The botanical name for chocolate is Theobroma, which means "food of the gods". This is exactly how I feel when I bring this lovely chocolate drink to my lips. A goddess with her ambrosia. Ix Chel, healing with her concoctions.Chocolate is among the many things the Spaniards acquired from the Aztecs. The native Aztec people made a variety of chocolate drinks combined with honey, nuts, seeds, and spices. The drink was used in rituals by priests as well as nobleman. While many historic references are made to the Aztecs and chocolate, the Aztecs actually adopted the use of chocolate from the earlier Mayan Culture. Drinking this ancient potion will certainly make you feel part of this royal heritage.
