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Unless food allergies are a factor, many people love all things chocolate and this simple food can be used to make an incredible number of sweet dishes. However, if you think chocolate is a modern treat you will probably be surprised to learn it has been consumed for more than two thousand years.

The ancient residents of South and Central America first discovered the cacao tree growing in dense, tropical rainforests. The cacao tree produces pods growing directly from the trunk that contain seeds which are ground and processed to create the chocolate we know and love today.

Making chocolate is a labor intensive process, which begins with growing and nurturing the cacao tree, which will not produce its first pods for three to five years. The ancient Mayans grew cacao trees solely for the purpose of harvesting its seeds then fermenting, roasting, and grinding them to create a variety of hot and cold beverages.

Several hundreds of years later, the Aztecs began taking over a large portion of Mesoamerica and they too began reaping the benefits of the cacao tree. It is said that the Aztecs even used the valuable cacao seeds as a form of money along with using them to make bitter, chocolate flavored drinks seasoned with spices.

To the Mayan society, drinking chocolate evolved into a sacred ritual as it was largely consumed by royalty and always served at religious gatherings. Cacao seeds were often offered to the gods during rituals as priests, rulers, and important members of society enjoyed the highly revered brew.

After Spain conquered Mexico in the 1500s, conquistadors brought cacao seeds back with them to Europe and drinking chocolate remained an activity for the elite for the next three centuries. Soon cacao tree crops began sprouting up all over Europe and then in North America as English settlers brought the sweet treasure with them.

After other ingredients including sugar and milk were added to chocolate the world was able to enjoy an incredible number of confectionary treats including candy bars, cakes, cookies, ice cream, and many mouthwatering pastries.

Cheesy Chocolate Nut Ball Recipe

What You Need

    * 1 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
    * 1/2 stick butter, softened
    * 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
    * 3/4 cup confectioner's sugar
    * 2 tablespoons brown sugar
    * 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
    * 1/4 cup peanut butter chips
    * 1/4 cup chocolate chips
    * 1 tablespoon chocolate liqueur
    * 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped, toasted

How to Make It

In a medium sized mixing bowl combine the softened cream cheese, softened butter, and the peanut butter and beat until the mixture is creamy.

Add in the confectioner's sugar, the brown sugar, cocoa, peanut butter and chocolate chips, and the chocolate liqueur and stir well. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours or until firm.

Just before the cheese ball is done chilling, chop the walnuts finely, and toast the pieces until just brown.

After chilled and firm, shape the che

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