http://www.monkeychocolate.com/chocolates/european-chocolates/dutch-chocolates/ Dutch chocolates have long history, find out what puts Dutch chocolates on the chocolate map. en-us Tue, 19 Jun 2007 12:54:49 EDT Tue, 19 Jun 2007 12:54:49 EDT Weblog Editor 2.0 The beginning of Dutch chocolates Dutch chocolates are among some of the most celebrated confections in the world. The quality of the ingredients as well as the methods used to produce Dutch chocolates have been maintained for decades. Out of all the European chocolates, Dutch chocolates have consistently stood out in the crowd. In fact all the world's producer's owe a debt to the Dutch for the headway that was made in the production of chocolates as a sought-after confection. Dutch origins of the cocoa press Chocolate first made its appearance in Europe in the 16th century, but was enjoyed only as a beverage until the 18th century. The drink itself was so popular that a heavy tax was tacked onto it for centuries as more and more of Europe became obsessed with it. The Swiss took the reigns and finally attempted to make it into a confection that can be eaten. After a lot of trial and tribulation, M. Daniel Peter finally took his idea to Nestle, who were the makers of evaporated milk at the time. He added this and some sugar to cocoa, making the first milk chocolate. It was a Dutchman, by the name of C.J. Van Houten who pushed the process even farther. Van Houten was a Duth chocolate master and, using his knowledge of chocolate was successful in inventing and building the first cocoa press. The press squeezed out the cocoa butter from the beans which removed the bitterness and acidity- and now alkali processed cocoa is also known as Dutch chocolate. This helped pave the way to solid Dutch chocolates. Before 1879, chocolate was only available as a liquid, but soon the world would meet the delicious Dutch chocolates. This helped to make European chocolate available to many more people as the process also lowered the price of chocolate. And so, with the help of the Dutch, we can also enjoy today other fine European chocolates such as the infamous Belgian chocolates! Tue, 19 Jun 2007 12:54:49 EDT