Rabbit Hosted Drinking Chocolate with Sueños Heirloom Chocolates

Rabbit Hosted Drinking Chocolate w/ Lori Shapiro 

Saturday, March 9, 2024

2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Chocolate, which we usually associate with sweetened dessert bars or pastries, was enjoyed as a drink for thousands of years before the first dessert bar was made. 
In this workshop, Dr. Lori Shapiro will introduce participants to the history of chocolate through the eyes of farmers growing heirloom varieties of cacao in Ecuador, where cacao was first domesticated more than 5,300 years ago. We will make our own whole bean drinking chocolate using organic heirloom cacao and traditional tools. This original, satisfying, energizing and healthful traditional hot chocolate has almost no resemblance to the highly processed and nutrient poor powdered ‘hot cacao’ mix on grocery store shelves.
Participants will learn about growing cacao in regenerative agroforestry settings and hear about the farmers cooperative that grows organic heirloom varieties of this amazing tree in Ecuador. Then participate in a hands on make-and-taste to learn how chocolate has been enjoyed as a drink in South America for thousands of years.  
Participants will enjoy their tasty creations alongside our cuddly English Angora fiber rabbit family with opportunities to hold, pet and photograph the rabbits as we sip on warm drinking chocolate in the frosty air of early March together.  

This is a family friendly workshop.  Registration required for each adult and child attending.  Family tickets available for larger families. 

Children MUST attend with an adult or as part of a family group. 

More about Guest Instructor, Dr. Lori Shapiro:  Dr. Lori Shapiro is a former research scientist who is now the owner and operator of Sueños Heirloom Chocolates in Watertown, MA. Sueños is a direct importer of heirloom cacao from small organic growers in Coastal Ecuador. In Watertown, Lori uses this heirloom cacao to make small-batch, vegan dark chocolate bars with a variety of dried fruits, nuts and seeds.  Learn more about Lori & Sueños Heirloom Chocolates on her website HERE. *Materials for making drinking chocolate at home can be purchased through Lori's website. 

More about Nueva Esperanza Organic Farmers Cooperative:  Sueños Heirloom Chocolates is a direct importer of organic, shade-grown cacao from the Nueva Esperanza Organic Farmers Cooperative in Puerto Quito, Ecuador. Nueva Esperanza farms are committed to growing only Ecuador’s finest ‘Nacional’ variety heirloom cacao trees, which are world-renowned for their exceptional aromas and flavors, and lack of bitterness. Learn more about this incredible farmers cooperative at suenoschocolate.com

WFCF Education Programs Cancellation & Refund Policy: Cancellations made 21 days or more in advance of the start date will receive a full refund minus a $35 administrative fee. Cancellations made between 14 and 20 days in advance will receive a 50% refund minus a $35 administrative fee. Cancellations made within 13 days or less of the start date are non-refundable. Waltham Fields Community Farm reserves the right to change, modify and/or cancel program dates at our discretion.

This program will take place partially outdoors with sheltered areas to sit, and access to the lightly heated cozy cottage in the Learning Garden. Please dress in warm layers and be prepared to enjoy the winter weather along with the English Angora rabbits and your mug of drinking chocolate. More information will come to registrants to help prepare for a fun & comfortable experience. 

Please contact Director of Education and Community Engagement at jessica@communityfarms.org with questions about this program.