How my Caribbean family makes CHOCOLATE FROM SCRATCH in Sweet St. Lucia

cocoa butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Coconut oil provides a similar texture with fewer calories.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey adds sweetness with a unique flavor.

milk powder

🥗Healthier: almond milk powder

💰Cheaper: powdered milk

Almond milk powder is dairy-free and adds a nutty taste.

vanilla

🥗Healthier: vanilla extract

💰Cheaper: vanilla essence

Vanilla essence is more affordable while still providing flavor.

Roast the cocoa pods until they are dry enough.

Let the roasted cocoa pods cool down on a sack before peeling.

Peel the cocoa pods to remove the skin.

Pound the peeled cocoa in a mortar to break it down into a paste.

Use a green banana to patch the mortar if needed.

Once the cocoa is pounded, it should be powdery and release its oils.

Store the pounded cocoa in a calabash for later use.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens