Tsokolate

The word tsokolate itself is merely the prescribed formal Tagalog language or Filipino language spelling of both Spanish chocolate and English chocolate, with adjusted orthography to reflect a more native construction (tso vs cho, k vs c) and the latter spelling tends to be more common. Tsokolate is also known as suklati in Kapampangan; sikulate in Maguindanao; and sikwate or sikuwate in Visayan languages. All are derived from Spanish chocolate ("chocolate"), ultimately from Nahuatl xocolātl. Tsokolate and these other terms may refer both to the hot chocolate drink or chocolate in general, but in breakfast and merienda contexts, the hot drink is almost always meant. ==Tableya==

and tsokolate Tableya (also spelled tabliya or tablea, from Spanish tablilla, "tablet") are small traditionally home-made tablets of pure ground roasted cacao beans. Tableya is made by drying beans of ripe cacao fruit for two or three days. The dried beans are shelled and roasted. They are ground into a thick chocolate liquor paste that are then formed into the characteristic little discs or balls and allowed to dry. Aside from tsokolate, tableya is used in a wide variety of other traditional desserts in the Philippines, most prominently in champorado, a glutinous rice porridge flavored with chocolate. ==Preparation==

'' rice cakes and ripe carabao mangoes Tsokolate is traditionally prepared by boiling water and milk in a special high-necked pitcher-shaped pot known as a tsokolatera (also tsokolatehan, sikulatihan, sikwatehan, etc.). It is taken off from the flame once bubbles start to form and a few discs of tabliya are dropped into the liquid. Muscovado sugar and more milk or cream is also added, to taste. A special wooden baton called the molinillo (also called batidor or batirol) is then inserted through the top and briskly twirled using the palms of the hands to bring the liquid to a froth. It is then poured into individual cups. Modern methods of making tsokolate can include using regular whisks, blenders, or milk frothers to achieve the same frothy consistency. Additional ingredients like cinnamon, vanilla, pinipig rice flakes, or even rum or tequila can also be added. However, using commercial cocoa powder instead of tabliya is strongly frowned upon, as it does not give the same texture or taste. ==Cultural significance==

Tsokolate is commonly consumed at breakfast or merienda with traditional kakanin or bread. Common pairings with tsokolate include pandesal, puto maya, puto bumbong, churros, ensaymada, buñuelos (or cascaron), suman, kesong puti, and bibingka. It is also popular during Christmas season in the Philippines, particularly among children. ==See also==