Food of the Gods: Chocolate in the 17th Century

Come hear about and taste a little chocolate as it was drunk in the 17th Century!

Learn how chocolate was first drunk in North and Central America, and how it quickly captured the tastebuds of Europe. We will give you a little history lesson and let you taste two early versions. A far cry from sweet milk chocolate of this era! The earliest recipe we make dates from 1591 and contains interesting spices like chili, cilantro, and achiote. As chocolate became more popular in the late 17th century, Europeans began adding sugar and spices like cinnamon, cloves and aniseed, available from eastern trade routes. We will give you two tastes of these different flavors and you can decide if you like them - Perhaps you will never return to that hot milky version you know!

This takes place in the Coach House Cafe at Sigginstown Castle. The event is free but we would appreciate an RSVP so we can estimate numbers for tasting the chocolate. The cafe also sells modern and heritage teas and coffee, homemade cakes and scones for your delight. This experience fits nicely between our two offered tour times of 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. if you want to see the 16th century tower (Please purchase a ticket for the time of your choice).

Please enter at Main Gate on Norman Way. Don't turn down the cul-de-sac or use eircode as it will bring you to the wrong gate. Parking in field as designated.

Please do not turn down the Cul-De-Sac road or use Eircode as you will need to turn around. The main gate will be open which is on the Norman Way - use Google Maps for "Sigginstown Castle". GPS and Google Maps link for public entrance: 52.205977, -6.444603. Couch House has ramps and accessible toilet. The driveway is gravel.