We are well and truly in the thick of Winter here in Melbourne, and I don't know about you but half my instagram feed is traveling through Italy right now. And whilst I'm currently in my living room trying to stay warm,  who says you can't bring a touch of Italy to our cozy corner at home?

So today, im diving into the art of crafting a classic Italian hot chocolate using our rich and flavourful ceremonial cacao. Get ready to transport your senses to a quaint Italian café, even if just for a moment.

Why are we calling it hot chocolate and not hot cacao?

Chocolate, in its conventional sense, is made from cacao beans that have been processed and combined with ingredients like sugar, milk, and sometimes other flavorings and usually striped away of its natural fats and sugars. Cacao, on the other hand, refers to the raw, minimally processed form of the cacao bean. So when we use ceremonial cacao to make this drink, essentially we will be transforming it into variation of chocolate as we combine it with sugar, milk, and cornstarch, etc.

What is Italian Hot Chocolate?

Italian hot chocolate, or "cioccolata calda," is renowned for its thick, velvety texture and intense chocolate flavour. There is less milk and sugar added and more cacao!

How do you make italian hot chocolate at home? 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of milk (or plant-based alternative)
• 60 grams ceremonial cacao
• 2 tablespoons of sugar (or honey for a more natural alternative)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or tapioca starch for a more natural option)
• A pinch of salt
• Optional: whipped cream, grated chocolate, or a dash of cinnamon for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cacao: In a small saucepan, heat a bit of the milk over low heat and add the ceremonial cacao chunks. Stir continuously until the cacao melts and forms a smooth paste.
2. Heat the Milk: Gradually add the remaining milk to the saucepan, stirring constantly to ensure the mixture stays smooth.
3. Combine and Thicken: Mix the cornstarch (or tapioca starch) with a small amount of cold milk to create a slurry. Add this to the saucepan along with the sugar or honey and a pinch of salt. Continue to stir until the mixture thickens to your desired consistency. Italian hot chocolate is traditionally quite thick, so don't be afraid to let it simmer for a bit.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Pour the hot chocolate into your favorite mug. For an extra touch of indulgence, top with whipped cream, a sprinkle of grated chocolate, or a dash of cinnamon.

Once your hot chocolate is ready, I recommend finding a cozy spot—perhaps your garden or balcony if weather permits. Take a moment for yourself with a good book or journal (leave the phone behind) and indulge in the comforting ambiance of an imaginary Italian café.
 
Enjoy!

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