shelf 4 (left)

The sweet Western beverage now called hot chocolate was first a South and Central American frothy brew of roasted cocoa-bean paste, chili peppers, vanilla, spices, and water. Chocolate played a central role in Mayan and Aztec spiritual, political, and economic matters, with cocoa beans sometimes traded as currency. As chocolate made its way to Europe, sugar and cream were added, creating a drink that was enjoyed socially from specialized ceramic services.

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