The cocoa tree is a native of Mexico ; it also grows in Central and South America and the West Indies. Cocoa and chocolate are both prepared from the seeds of the cocoa bean. The fruit is shaped like a large, thick cucumber, and contains from twenty to forty seeds. These are roasted like coffee. The husks or shells are taken off and used in that form as cocoa shells. The various preparations of cocoa are made from the ground beans, from which the fat or oil has been extracted. Chocolate contains a larger proportion of fat, it is mixed with starch and pressed into cakes.

Chocolate

l 1/2 sq. Baker's chocolate 4 tb. sugar

1 c. water 3 c. milk

Add water to the chocolate and stir over the fire till it boils; add sugar and milk. Bring to the boiling point, boil five minutes, whipping with an egg-beater. Serve.

Cocoa

3 tb. prepared cocoa

4 tb. sugar

2 c. boiling water 2 c. milk

Mix sugar and cocoa, and add 1/2 c. of the boiling water to make a smooth paste. Add remaining water and let boil five minutes. Add the milk and when this is scalded, beat with an egg-beater for a few minutes and serve.

Note

Interesting exhibits of cocoa and chocolate may be obtained from chocolate manufacturers.

Cost Of Cocoa

Measure the number of teaspoonfuls of cocoa in a box. Estimate the number of cups of cocoa it will make and the cost per cup, including the milk used. Estimate the cost per cup of chocolate.