Hello candy lovers!
I know it's unusual to get a newsletter from us in the middle of the month. We have an announcement to make that is bittersweet for us.
For the past 3 1/2 years we have loved making candy for all of you but it is time for us to pass the whisk on to someone else. Actually, two someone elses. This was a very hard decision for us to make but due to healthy reasons it was obvious what we needed to do.
I am confident that the businesses taking over will do a fantastic job at serving you.
Our brittles, organic lollipops and Soothing the Womb lollipops will be found at www.earthbellycandy.com or www.earthbelly.etsy.com For more information please visit www.beneaththerowantree.com and join their newsletter for information on when the yummy candy will be available through them. Anyone that knows Lori will know she will go beyond to make sure she provides you with the candy you have grown to love.
Roca and chocolate will now be available through www.simplyheavenlollipopshoppe.com You can join their newsletter http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SimplyHeaven/ to find out additional info. They plan on stocking Kickshaw favorites in November. I have known Maureen for over 4 years now and I know she will make you all happy with her confectioner skills.
Both companies will be using my original recipes to bring you the fabulous treats that Kickshaw Confections brought you. We will miss catering to your sweet tooth needs but are excited to move on to a new chapter in our lives.
Please continue to visit me at www.hyenacart.com/universalmama on Monday nights at 10pm est. I'll be bringing my henna art there starting next Monday.
Peace and Love,
Heather
The History of Chocolate The first record of chocolate was over 2,000 years ago in Mesoamerica. They took the tree from the rainforest and grew it in their yards. They harvested the seeds and turned them into paste. They mixed it with water, cornmeal and other ingredients to make a spicy chocolate drink. 
In 1521 Europe was introduced to chocolate during the conquest of Mexico. They soon realized the value of cacao and started shipping the cacao seeds to Spain. The Spanish livened up the chocolate drink of Mesoamerica by adding sugar, cinnamon and other spices. Cacao and Sugar were expensive imports so this yummy drink was a symbol of wealth and power. 
In the 1700's a Frenchman named Doret invented a machine to make cacao seeds into a paste. Soon after a steam driven chocolate mill was invented by another Frenchman. In 1828 the most important invention was introduced. The cocoa press, invented by Coenraad Van Houten. It separated the cocoa butter and the cocoa powder. Then in 1875 milk chocolate was introduced with Henri Nestle mixed in condensed milk to chocolate. 
Today, thanks to new technology, Chocolate can me enjoyed in many different confections. |
