One thing I expected to be roughly the same the world over was chocolate. I mean, how could it be that all human beings do not love such dark deliciousness? But alas, no. So far the Argentines I have met do not enjoy chocolate as I do. I first encountered the disturbing difference when I baked brownies for my host sister’s birthday. They do not sell cocoa powder here. I was told to use Nesquick, the very same mix used for hot cocoa. Basically this added half a cup of sugar to my recipe while cutting out more than half the cocoa. My worst fears were realized when I bit into this “brownie” I had created…a moist mound of dark colored sugar. I was fortified and apologized to the family and promised to find the wal-mart and pay any price for Hersey’s. And then the unthinkable happened. They loved it! The first pan of brownies was gone within the day and my host sister had me teach her how to make them. The recipe (translated into Spanish) has even been taped to the frig. My host mom says she likes my brownies because other brownies have too much chocolate flavor. Call it culture shock but I can’t understand why anyone would want a less chocolaty brownie. 
Among foods indigenous to Argentina, chocolate seems to come in second to Dulce de Leche (it’s like caramel if you need a reference point). Personally, I am of the opinion that all sweets should be used to compliment chocolate not the other way around. I am having a bit of trouble finding a good chocolate cookie even in the store bought packs. There were some knock off Oreos in the cupboard here but like all knock-off Oreos they were lacking in chocolate flavor and unsatisfactory. There were some vanilla cookies with chocolate cream too. These were reminiscent of those elf cookies in the US only with about 1/4th of the fudge. Even the pure candy, Bon Bons that are so popular here consist of Dulce de Leche center, Vanilla wafer ball, and a minuscule chocolate shell.
Oh for a Lenoir Vegan Brownie or a Hersey Bar!
I would have thought everyone loved chocolate, too! Breanna makes really good brownies (they're famous in our family), and we just made some for my niece's birthday. They were so good, and I had forgotten how much I love chocolate! If it was realistic I would send you some! haha. But I'm not sure it would actually make it there, sadly. Once you start craving it, not much can satisfy it other than the good stuff!
ReplyDeleteHaha, customs would to totally take your brownies and eat them! But I really appreciate the thought. I found some real Oreos today and those were a comfort. My brownies are a semi-famous family recipe too. I propose a bake-off next year whenever Breanna comes to visit!
ReplyDeletehaha definitely! I will gladly volunteer to be a judge!!
ReplyDeleteEmail me your mailing address and I will see about mailing you some chocolate. A girl needs what a girl needs
ReplyDeleteSara