Chocolate and the Medicis

by Nick Vagnoni, Posted Feb 4th 2006 @ 4:02PM

A new exhibit at the Civic Museum of Monsummano Terme, just north of Florence, explores the history of chocolate in Europe. The show pays particular attention to the ways in which the patronage of the Medici dynasty furthered the art of chocolate making in much the same ways it advanced the areas of art and architecture. Cosimo III de Medici commissioned new chocolate recipes in order to compete with those of the Spaniards and to impress other aristocrats. One of the results was a jasmine-infused chocolate drink, often presented to visiting dignitaries as an example of the Medici splendor. The exhibit, "Chocolate: from Spanish perfection to the exquisite courtesy of the Tuscan court" continues through April 30.

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Filed under: The History of..., Ingredients
Tags: chocolate, dessert, europe, exhibit, florence, italy, medici, museum

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