Fair Trade Wooden Molinillo Hot Chocolate Whisk.

Fair Trade Wooden Molinillo Hot Chocolate Whisk.

 

The molinillo is a Mexican whisk hand carved (with the aid of a lathe nowadays!) from a solid piece of wood. It is used to froth up hot chocolate which is a popular drink in Mexico, especially with children at breakfast time. Traditionally Mexicans use solid chocolate which is grated and mixed with the hot milk. To use the molinillo you need to hold it between both your hands and rub back and forth repeatedly, making the liquid below all frothy. This item as well as being useful, is also a lovely. tactile item. Even though the modern ones are turned on a lathe from a single piece of wood, the craftmanship is still very fine indeed. The craftsmen and women are paid a fair wage for making these but it still makes you wonder how they can produce them for the price - they must take hours to make!