Web Hosting by Netfirms | Free Domain Names by Netfirms

Hot Chocolate Thing

Everyone agrees that the hot chocolate thing is the answer to many of today's problems. Not only does it have the reassurance and comfort of the old faithful chocolate, but the added warmth of hot milk and sweetness of sugar puts it in a whole new league.

Aptly named the "Food of the Gods" and adopted by the ancient South Americans, chocolate was initially only taken as a drink. Chocolate grows on trees from large pods of cacao beans. The beans are roasted, ground up and mixed with sugar, chilli, vanilla, coffee and tamarind. The original recipe is not smooth but grainy.

Enjoyed by children and adults alike, the hot chocolate thing is an age old phenomenon. Everyone has a memory of their old gran making them a hot chocolate at night to help them sleep, and who could forget the river of chocolate in Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

A popular alternative to tea and coffee, hot chocolate has made its way into the cafes of the world. Many people today are avoiding caffeinated drinks and hot chocolate is a great way to have a warming drink and still be able to get to sleep at night.

Diet versions of the hot chocolate thing are now widely available on the market, satisfying the weight conscious’ need for a sweet treat.

Hot Chocolate Recipe

6 ounces fine-quality chocolate, evenly chopped
1/4 cup water at room temperature
3 cups hot milk
3 tablespoons hot water
Sugar (to taste)
Whipped cream (optional)

Use a double boiler over a low heat, combine chocolate and the 1/4 cup of water until melted, stirring occasionally; stir until smooth. Remove top of double boiler pan and whisk in the 3 tablespoons of hot water. Pour into serving jug or divide among 4 individual cups. Either stir 3/4 cup hot milk into each mug or serve milk in a separate jug. Pass sugar and whipped cream in separate bowls; add to taste.

Makes 4 servings.

Click here for even more inspiration on the topic of hot chocolate.

Flavored Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:
4 cups of milk
1/2 cup granulated brown sugar
3/4 tsp. of cinnamon
3/4 tsp. of vanilla extract
3/4 tsp. of almond extract
2 oz. pre-melted unsweetened chocolate
Garnishes: Whipped cream and chocolate shavings
Mr. Coffee® Cocomotion® Hot Chocolate Maker

Directions:

* Pour milk into the Cocomotion® reservoir. Add brown sugar, cinnamon and extracts. Push the ON button.

* After two minutes, slowly pour the chocolate into the reservoir.

* When the machine turns off, your cocoa is ready.

* Pour into mugs and garnish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

Links of interest

Hot Chocolate in the South of Mexico

The Science of Chocolate