Despite the fact that Cinco de Mayo is a holiday celebrating Mexican independence, it is a hugely popular holiday in the United States as well. With the cacao bean being indigenous to Mexico, chocolate has found a way into every part of Mexican cuisine, including savory dinner entrees. If you’re looking to experiment with some authentic Mexican cuisine this Cinco de Mayo, this savory chocolate dish is the perfect dinner idea.
What is Mole?
Mole (pronounced mo-LAY) is a thick, rich sauce served with meats and rice. If you’re interested in serving mole but don’t have the time to make the sauce from scratch, there are jarred versions that you can find in the international section of your local grocery store. Making homemade mole is a true labor of love. At the heart of that love, though, is chocolate. While we often think of chocolate as being a sweet treat for dessert, the cacao bean provides a rich, bold flavor that can be used for savory dishes as well as sweet treats.
Where does it Come From?
This deeply rich, chocolate-based sauce hails from Mexico, which is no accident. Since the cacao bean is indigenous to Mexico, it is no wonder how the flavor-packed bean has made its way into all kinds of dishes and desserts. Cacao beans have been a staple of Mexican cuisine for hundreds of years — well before colonization. In Mexico, there are many different kinds of mole from different regions of the country, with different spices and flavors added to each type. Although the spices may change from region to region, bold, delicious chocolate remains the signature ingredient. When planning to make this delicious sauce from scratch, the most well-known mole sauces are called mole poblano and mole negro.
How Can I Use it?
The first thing you need to get your hands on is delicious, sweet dark chocolate. The better the quality of the chocolate, the better your mole sauce will turn out. Buying locally-made, gourmet dark chocolate will ensure that your mole is up to snuff. Since there are so many mole recipes, it is best to find one that incorporates ingredients that you like, as well as the ingredients that you can readily find in a grocery store. Make this Cinco de Mayo memorable with your own homemade mole dinner!
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Wockenfuss Chocolates
Head to WockenfussCandies.com and browse our wide selection of chocolates and candies; we promise you will not be disappointed! Wockenfuss Candies is one of the oldest candy makers in Baltimore. We opened our doors in 1915 and have proudly served the people of Baltimore ever since. If you have any questions about our Wide Selection of Chocolates, please contact Wockenfuss Candies by calling 1-800-296-4414 or email info@Wockenfusscandies.com. When you’re not savoring our sweets, stay satisfied by following us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest!