On our ceaseless hunt for the Alps’ finest hot chocolate, we came across this recipe for Italian hot chocolate or cioccolata calda and decided we need look no further.  Italy is officially our favourite ski country for a sneaky slopeside hot chocolate and this current cold snap seems the perfect excuse for a cuppa.   

Cioccolata calda is dark, rich and ultra-decadent, with a thick syrupy consistency and an intense, bold flavour. It’s not too sweet and, what’s more, it’s easy and takes just 3-5 minutes to make. So go to your larder, ditch your usual cocoa powder and try this out on your kids instead.  Their grins will get broader and broader with every sip.  It’s like chocolate pudding in a cup.

It’s our current favourite cold weather drink and once you’ve tasted it, it will almost certainly be yours too. It’s also delicious with coconut milk or almond milk for those who can’t eat dairy produce.

Ingredients:
4 oz dark chocolate (70% or higher)
350mls whole milk
2 tbsp sugar
2 tsp cornflour

Method:
1 Break up the chocolate into a saucepan and place it on a very low heat with a splash of milk.  Stir with a wooden spoon until it has melted.
2 Slowly add the remaining milk, stirring continuously.  Add the sugar and whisk in the cornflour.
3 Continue to stir over a low heat until it becomes thick and creamy and coats the back of the wooden spoon.

Serve immediately in mini espresso cups!  No need for a mountain of cream on top.

Quite possibly the best hot chocolate in the world…

 

 

Check out our other Alpine recipes by clicking HERE.