Tableya

Sikwate {4}

Sikwate

The local drink made from native cacao has many names. I often use sikwate, but you will hear it called native chocolate, tsokolate, tskolate, tabelya, etc. Tableya is really the tablets before the drink is made, but some still refer to the drink in that manner. Regardless of the name used, it’s a treat.

When I first moved here I was making sikwate every morning. I found that to be a little too much, and have since resisted making it at home. I reserve my consumption for when I’m out and about, for the most part. Thankfully I’ve found a few places that make it.
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Homemade Tableya {2}

Homemade Tableya
Today’s guest article is provided by a reader (on my request) after learning of her first attempt to make homemade tableya. I hope you enjoy the article and photos.

 

“The Magic of the Chocolate Tablet”

The most favorite and well-loved food of the sweet-toothed is of course the chocolate. It comes in various flavors, forms and sizes. The very source of this sweet delight comes from the humble makings of cacao or cacao bean.
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Tableya – Pure Cacao Tablets {5}

Tableya – Pure Cacao Tablets

In case you haven’t heard, dark chocolate, or pure cacao, is one of the latest health kicks here in the US. I had began to hear about pure cacao beans and/or nibs prior to my trip to the Philippines late last year. I even purchased some, and have begun adding them to my green smoothies and my hot cereal in the morning. They aren’t sweet, but I like them a lot.

While visiting Davao and Samal Island last year I got to take a trip to Bankerohan Market where we enjoyed the local favorite of sikwate. Sikwate (or sekwate) is a hot drink made from the pure cacao beans. I also picked up some of the cacao tablets for my trip back home. That was my first time to try the hot chocolate drink made of this pure cacao, and it was quite a treat for me.
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