Italian Hot Chocolate

 

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Italian hot chocolate, or cioccolata calda, is a delightful twist on the usual version!  Thick and pudding-like, it's more of a dessert than a drink. While sachets are common at home, nothing compares to sipping it fresh from an Italian bar.   Pair it with maritozzi for pure indulgence—or enjoy alongside Cappuccino Cake for that extra coffee kick!

Ingredients

¾ cup (4oz/115 grams) dark bittersweet chocolate (coarsely chopped)

1 ½ cups (350ml) whole milk

2 tablespoons granulated white sugar 

2 teaspoons cornstarch 

Instructions

Into a small saucepan, place the chocolate and 1 cup of milk.

Place over low heat and allow the chocolate to melt, stirring from time to time.

Add the sugar and stir to dissolve.

In a small bowl, put the remaining ½ cup of milk and the cornstarch. Whisk to combine, ensuring all the lumps are dissolved and the mixture is smooth.

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cornstarch mixture. Be sure that the cornstarch is still mixed through the milk, as it tends to settle to the bottom so give it a little stir before adding to the chocolate milk mixture.

Return the saucepan to a low to medium heat and stir until the mixture thickens. Some bubbles will start to form around the edges, and it will start to come to a simmer. However, you don’t need to let it come to a boil it will thicken anyway.

Taste for sweetness. Add more sugar if you prefer. Or serve with sugar so that each can add sugar to their liking.

Pour into small cups or espresso cups to serve with a spoon on the side for scooping.

 

Elizabeth Kilbride is a Writer and Editor with forty years of experience in writing, with 12 of those years in the online content sphere. Author of 5 books and a Graduate with an Associate of Arts degree in Business Management, a bachelor’s in mass communication and cyber-analysis, a master’s in criminology with emphasis on Cybercrime and Identity Theft, and is currently studying for her Ph.D. degree in Criminology. Her work portfolio includes coverage of politics, current affairs, elections, history, and true crime. Elizabeth is also a gourmet cook, life coach, and avid artist in her spare time, proficient in watercolor, acrylic, oil, pen and ink, gouache, and pastels. As a political operative who has worked on over 300 campaigns during her career, Elizabeth has turned many life events into books and movie scripts while using history to weave interesting storylines. She also runs 7 blogs ranging from art to life coaching, food, writing, Gardening, and opinion or history pieces each week.

Italian Cuisine, Mediterranean, Kilbride, Potpourri of Frugality, Homemade, Do it yourself

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