Chocolate Initials - A Dutch Tradition! In the 16th and 17th centuries, according to old Germanic traditions, letters made from pastry were presented to children at birth as a symbol of good fortune and this became a part of the St Nicholas legend in the 19th century. A bread dough letter was used to identify whose gifts were hidden in a shoe or under a sheet. Then the children had to find their initial in order to see what else St Nicholas had left for them. When the Dutch, famous as traders, brought home cocoa beans along with coffee, tea and spices from exotic lands, their love affair with chocolate began. They learned to make some of the finest chocolate in the world. Soon, the St Nicholas’ letters were made from chocolate and the tradition continues to this day. The Dutch chocolate makers keep St Nicholas supplied with enough chocolate letters for every household in Holland – and even have plenty for us!
The Dutch Tradition of Chocolate Initials continues!
Just in time for Schuylerville’s St. Nicholas Day Celebration, Saturday, December 5th, 2009. Orders for Chocolate Letters are now being taken for delivery in the first week of December and throughout the Holiday Season. Chocolate Letters, in either Dark, Milk or Sugarless Chocolate, 3 x 4 inches in size, come individually packaged in a festive box. The cost is $6.00 each and can be ordered by calling or emailing Marie Foster, 518-695-5609 or mailto:fostermr@verizon.net Please make checks payable to the Schuylerville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Good fortune to all who receive the first letter of their first name in Chocolate! Delicious!
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