The fat obtained from cocoa bean is cocoa butter, which gives cocoa its principal nutrient.
Cocoa and chocolate differ from tea and coffee inasmuch as they contain nutriment as well as stimulant. Theobromine, the active principle, is almost identical with theine and caffeine in its composition and effects.
Many people who abstain from the use of tea and coffee find cocoa indispensable. Not only is it valuable for its own nutriment, but for the large amount of milk added to it. Cocoa may be well placed in the dietary of a child after his third year, while chocolate should be avoided as a beverage, but may be given as a confection. Invalids and those of weak digestion can take cocoa where chocolate would prove too rich.
Cocoa Shells
| 1 cup cocoa shells | 6 cups boiling water |
Boil shells and water three hours; as water boils away it will be necessary to add more. Strain, and serve with milk and sugar. By adding one-third cup cocoa nibs, a much more satisfactory drink is obtained.
Cracked Cocoa
| 1/2 cup cracked cocoa | 3 pints boiling water |
Boil cracked cocoa and water two hours. Strain, and serve with milk and sugar. If cocoa is pounded in a mortar and soaked over night in three pints water, it will require but one hour’s boiling.
Breakfast Cocoa
| 11/2 tablespoons prepared cocoa | 2 cups boiling water |
| 2 tablespoons sugar | 2 cups milk |
| Few grains salt | |
Scald milk. Mix cocoa, sugar, and salt, dilute with one-half cup boiling water to make smooth paste, add remaining water, and boil five minutes; turn into scalded milk and beat two minutes, using egg-beater, when froth will form, preventing scum, which is so unsightly; this is known as milling.
