Hot Chocolate
Indulge yourself in a deliciously creamy mug of exquisite gourmet hot chocolate.
Savor the rich taste of a distinctively flavored hot chocolate. For a chocolate lover nothing satisfies quiet like a steaming mug of hot chocolate, topped with your favorite toppings, marshmallows, whipped cream,
chocolate syrup, cinnamon or what ever tingles your taste buds.
I am from the time when hot chocolate or hot cocoa was made with milk, there was no using water. While they do have some mixes available now that make a fair cup of cocoa from pre-packaged mixes that you simply add water to, my favorites are made with milk products. If you are lactose intolerant or allergic to milk, hot chocolates are equally delicious when made with soy milk or lactose free milks.
Wonderful cocoa is available in regular and dark versions, you will find that the darker versions are less sweet and emphasize the deep rich flavor of the dark chocolate. For a perfect hot cocoa here is a very simple but delicious recipe:
Dissolve 2-1/2 tablespoons (level) of your favorite cocoa in enough hot water to make a paste.
Add about 8 ounces of hot milk. Stir until mixed and creamy, top with favorite topping!
Here's a simple but very tasty 12 ounce mocha recipe that only takes minutes:
Dissolve 1-1/2 tablespoons of your favorite cocoa in hot water to make a paste.
Add 4 ounces of milk or creamer warmed.
Add 8 ounces of hot coffee stir and enjoy.
Here is a great idea for a Valentine's Day gift:
Hot Chocolate Cone
They have the appearance of a drumstick ice cream cone. They are cocoa, mini marshmallows, mini chocolate chips, and a red gum drop placed inside cone-shaped cellophane wrappers!
3/4 cup cocoa mix
two 6" x 12" cone-shaped cellophane bags
2 clear rubber bands
scissors
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
3/4 cup mini marshmallows
1 large red gumdrop
Pour cocoa into one of the bags. Close bag with rubber band and trim it one inch above band. Place that bag inside of a second bag and flatten the top. Layer chocolate chips and marshmallows and top with the gumdrop. Secure with the other
rubber band. A unique and delicious gift, warms the heart and the soul.
Cocoa powders come in a very wide range of flavors and can be found everywhere from grocery stores to
coffee shop to gourmet chocolate shops. These days hot chocolate comes in cans, bottles, pre-measured packets and
vacuum sealed containers that you simply microwave and drink. While these products are handy and
convenient in today's fast paced world. If you have some extra time on your hands and want to experience a wonderful creamy mug of hot chocolate delight then definitely prepare yourself a mug the old fashion way.
Hot chocolate dates back to the Olmecs of Mexico and South America. Originally available only to royalty and consumed at ritualistic events it was quite different than today's
quickie chocolate mixes. Recipes and traditions for hot chocolate or hot cocoa vary greatly, as do the people that enjoy to drink them. Some like French or Italian, some maybe want sugar free or a gourmet version but it all boils down to the chocolate. While my favorite is a gourmet hot chocolate it is really about the experience of enjoying a hot cup of chocolate bliss!