Chisme Con Chocolate (Gossip with Chocolate)
This program is inspired by Teaching Artist-in-Residence David Enriquez’s weekly visit with his family to catch up over breakfast, consisting of homemade chilaquiles, tamales, and pan dulce from the local Mexican grocery store. It was only after they had savored their first sip of hot chocolate—the most important component of the meal—that they would begin sharing the highlights of their week.
In pre-Columbian times throughout Mesoamerica, the act of preparing this drink became such an important ritual that it was believed the person foaming the chocolate could transmit their affection to the drinker. In the family’s kitchen, it was only Enriquez’s mother who was entrusted with the molenillo, the traditional turned wood whisk, to make sure the chocolate had just the right amount of foam.
Visitors are invited to a tasting and demonstration of how traditional Mexican hot chocolate is made using a molenillo. The chisme (gossip) will be recreated through a lively talk about the practice, storytelling, and conversation. Please note, capacity for the program may be limited, and the demonstration will start at 1pm.
Supported by funds from the Metropolitan New York Library Council (METRO) through the American Recovery Plan Act.
