Un Bois Vanille

In 1519, in the city of Texcoco, capital of the Aztec empire, Hernan Cortes was introduced to a frothy drink with which he fell in love. This beverage was a blend of vanilla, cocoa, and spice. Two years passed. Among the fabulous treasures brought back to Spain was a collection of vanilla pods. The familiar black vanilla, natural, rich, and syrupy transformed into a powdery, comfortable, and all-enveloping scent.