Books

Give The Gourmet Gift Of Chocolate Connoisseurship This Hanukkah

The 2nd Edition of “On the Chocolate Trail” is out this week. Image by Courtesy of Jewish Lights Publishing

By Liza Schoenfein December 11, 2017

Chocolate lovers on your gift list will be delighted to take a deep dive into the delicious topic of Jews and chocolate, with the newly released 2nd edition of “On the Chocolate Trail: A Delicious Adventure Connecting Jews, Religions, History, Travel, Rituals and Recipes to the Magic of Cacao” (Jewish Lights Publishing, 2017). Written by Forward contributor Rabbi Deborah R. Prinz, the book offers a fascinating look into the connections between Jews and chocolate throughout history, starting with the early chocolate trade. It follows the path of Jewish migration, and illustrates the ways Jewish values infuse and affect the chocolate industry today.

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The new edition also includes includes 25 recipes (some contemporary; some historical), a list of chocolate museums and festivals around the world, and a section on the ethics of chocolate and how to make the best (and most delicious) purchasing choices.

As Prinz told the Forward when the book was released in the Fall, “This brings sweetness to Jewish history. A lot of people view Jewish history as so sad and lachrymose, all tragedy and sadness. And I think this reminds us that our people are resilient and adaptable.”

Prinz is co-curator of the exhibit “Semi[te] Sweet: On Jews and Chocolate,” on view at the Bernard Museum of Temple Emanu-el in New York City (through February of 2018). Her blog is onthechocolatetrail.org.

Liza Schoenfein is the food editor of the Forward. Contact her at [email protected] or on Twitter, @LifeDeathDinner

Liza Schoenfein is a former food editor of the Forward and author of the blog Life, Death & Dinner. Follow her on Instagram @LifeDeathDinner.

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