Hot chocolate
Amongst all the drinks which you might think of as a delicious and energising winter beverage, we definitely prefer hot chocolate. This delicious drink, enjoyed by children too, comes in its basic form as powdered cocoa or chocolate, to which you add milk and sugar, and is perfect to drink during the winter, especially on the coldest days. Hot chocolate may be served simply as described here or it could be made even more indulgent with the addition of whipped cream. Either way, there are many variations of the basic recipe, such as those that include coffee, coconut and caramel. Today we suggest the classic version, delicious and just perfect for pampering yourself and, possibly, soothing your mental stress! Learn how to make it with us, using the photo gallery, and let’s say goodbye to the packets of hot chocolate you buy at the supermarket!
Ingredients
* approximate values per serving
Preparation
Combine the cocoa, sugar and cornflour and stir well so that there are no lumps. Add a pinch of cinnamon, ground ginger and chilli. Heat the milk in the microwave for 2 minutes, and then add a dash to the dry mixture. Stir well with a whisk until you have a dark brown paste. Keep adding milk a bit at a time, stirring all the time to make sure there are no more lumps; finish adding all the milk in this way, stirring. Pour the mixture into a saucepan and add a little coarsely ground almonds. Put on a low heat and stir constantly until it comes to the boil. Continue to stir and simmer for 10 minutes, by which time the cocoa and cornflour will be completely cooked. Serve, adding a little of the coarsely chopped almonds.
Step by step
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Here’s the hot chocolate ready to warm the cockles of your heart in winter!
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Here are the ingredients for the hot chocolate: cornflour, unsweetened cocoa powder, cinnamon, ground ginger, almonds, milk and sugar
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Combine the cocoa with the cornflour and the sugar
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Add the cinnamon and ginger
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Add a little tepid milk to the dry ingredients and stir to form a thick, dark paste. Then slowly add the rest of the milk, stirring all the time
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Pour into a cup, and sprinkle over some chopped almonds to finish
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Additional information
Hot Chocolate with Toasted Almonds
For a special touch to classic hot chocolate, try making it with the addition of toasted almonds. This variation enriches the flavor of the drink, giving a crunchy note and an enveloping aroma. To get the most out of the recipe, toast the almonds in a non-stick pan until golden, then roughly chop them and add them to the hot chocolate before serving. The combination of chocolate and almonds is perfect for those who love contrasts in texture and flavor. You can also decorate your hot chocolate with a few whole almonds on top for a stunning visual effect. This preparation is ideal for cold winter evenings when you want to enjoy something warm and comforting.
Romagna-Style Hot Chocolate
In Emilia Romagna, hot chocolate is a true ritual, often served thick and creamy. In this Romagna variant, a mix of unsweetened cocoa and brown sugar is used, which gives a deeper and caramelized flavor. Unlike other recipes, here you can add a pinch of rum for a more intense flavor. Romagna-style hot chocolate is perfect to enjoy in company, perhaps accompanied by typical sweets like doughnuts or cookies. This preparation is a way to warm up during cold winter days and represents true comfort food, ideal for any occasion.
Light Hot Chocolate without Sugar
For those who want a lighter version of hot chocolate, it can be made without sugar, using natural sweeteners like stevia or erythritol. This light variant maintains the rich and intense flavor of cocoa but reduces calories, allowing you to enjoy a delicious comfort drink without guilt. To prepare it, simply follow the classic recipe, substituting sugar with the chosen sweetener. Additionally, you can use semi-skimmed milk or plant-based milk to make the drink even lighter. This option is perfect for those on a diet or with specific dietary needs, without giving up the pleasure of a good hot chocolate.
Hot Chocolate: Benefits of Cocoa and Approximate Calories
Cocoa, the main ingredient in hot chocolate, is rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, which can help improve cardiovascular health and reduce stress. Additionally, cocoa is a source of magnesium and iron, essential for our body. A serving of hot chocolate made with milk and unsweetened cocoa has approximately 200-250 calories, depending on the ingredients used. By choosing to prepare it with skim milk and reducing the amount of sugar, you can further lower the calories. Enjoying hot chocolate is not only a pleasure for the palate but also a way to take care of your health, as long as you don't overdo the portions.
Can Hot Chocolate be Prepared in Advance?
Many wonder if it is possible to prepare hot chocolate in advance. The answer is yes, but with some precautions. It is advisable to prepare the drink and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Before serving, it is necessary to reheat it, stirring well to avoid lumps. Additionally, to maintain creaminess, you can add a bit of milk during reheating. Although hot chocolate can be prepared in advance, it is always better to consume it fresh to fully appreciate its flavor and consistency. With a few simple precautions, you can enjoy excellent hot chocolate even during the busiest moments of the day.