Hot chocolate: all the magic of winter in a cup.

When we think of the magical atmosphere of winter, we envision warm fireplaces, cold days, snow, and Sunday afternoons spent under cozy blankets watching movies while sipping on something warm.
All of this can only be accompanied by a delightful cup of thick hot chocolate that comforts and warms us on the coldest days.
The unmistakable taste of hot chocolate, with its irresistible aroma, will accompany you throughout the winter, providing you with a daily treat. Let's discover together the hot chocolate recipe, and with a few of our tips, you can prepare a delicious snack that's sure to satisfy.

Hot Chocolate Recipe: Prepare a Simple and Quick Snack

Have you ever wondered how to make hot chocolate? Often, we choose to go to a pastry shop to enjoy a good thick hot chocolate.
Since Spaghetti & Mandolino loves tradition, we propose a very simple and quick hot chocolate recipe, plus you will enjoy a delicious chocolate aroma filling your kitchen.
Let's see together how to make hot chocolate at home with just a few ingredients and a few simple steps.

Let's start with the necessary ingredients:

Whole milk 500ml
Dark chocolate bar 100g
Powdered sugar 25g
Unsweetened cocoa powder 30g
Cornstarch or potato starch 15g

»CHECK OUT OUR SELECTION OF MODICA CHOCOLATE«

How do you make hot chocolate? Start by chopping the dark chocolate into small pieces. Next, place a saucepan with the milk on the stove and cook it over low heat; it is important that it does not burn.
In a separate bowl, mix the cocoa powder, cornstarch or potato starch, and powdered sugar. Then, add these ingredients to the saucepan with the milk, making sure to do this well before the milk starts to boil. Gently and constantly stir the ingredients in the same direction (clockwise or counterclockwise) to avoid lumps and to eliminate any that may already be present.
When the mixture starts to boil, add the chopped chocolate and continue stirring to combine the ingredients.

However, remember that the cornstarch or potato starch will continue to thicken even after you remove it from the heat, so we recommend turning off the heat when the mixture is still quite liquid. Finally, pour it into cups while it's still hot and steamy, and for those with a real sweet tooth, we recommend a generous dollop of whipped cream.

Thick Hot Chocolate: Tips for Making It Perfect

It's very simple to achieve a thick hot chocolate; you just need to follow a few simple rules.
There are some steps to follow during preparation to avoid creating lumps and to achieve a thick consistency. First, we recommend adding ingredients such as cocoa, cornstarch or starch, and powdered sugar only when the milk is hot enough. It should not be lukewarm but it should not boil either because that could risk creating lumps.
Another simple tip is to maintain a constant flame level; a medium flame is advised to avoid burning the milk.

Cornstarch and potato starch are two natural thickeners that do their job when heated. Since the chocolate remains hot even after being removed from the stove, the two agents will continue to thicken the liquid. For this simple reason, we recommend removing the saucepan from the heat even if the chocolate hasn't reached the desired consistency.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving; this way, you can enjoy it while hot without burning yourself and with just the right thickness.

If you happen to have lumps during cooking, don’t worry; we have a secret remedy for you. Simply move the saucepan with the hot chocolate off the heat and whisk to dissolve all the lumps, then place it back on the heat to cook.
With these little tricks, you can create perfect hot chocolate.

Non-Dairy Hot Chocolate: The Vegan Variation

For those who are lactose intolerant, vegetarian, or vegan, we propose a hot chocolate recipe without milk. You can simply use water, soy milk, almond milk, or even coconut milk. It’s a delightful drink suitable for everyone, ideal for both adults and children in a non-dairy version.

Here are the ingredients for this recipe:

lactose-free chocolate 125g
Powdered sugar 25g
Unsweetened cocoa powder 30g
Water or plant milk 150ml
One vanilla pod

The procedure for the lactose-free hot chocolate is the same as for hot chocolate with dairy milk.
The result will be just as delicious, allowing everyone to enjoy a delightful hot chocolate. Additionally, you can use plant-based whipped cream to decorate your tasty winter drink. We recommend enjoying it for a snack along with some vegan cookies or lactose-free cakes.

»CHECK OUT OUR SELECTION OF DARK CHOCOLATE«

A little curiosity: try your lactose-free hot chocolate using hazelnut milk. This way, the flavor of the chocolate will be further enhanced, and you'll enjoy a deliciously rich drink.

Cup Chocolate: Here’s How to Flavor It

Cup chocolate is the most beloved winter snack for both adults and children, perfect for warming up during cold winter afternoons. As we have seen, there are many variations of cup chocolate, from the traditional recipe to that for vegetarians and vegans.
It's possible to flavor the chocolate with our favorite essences. One of the most loved flavors is chocolate flavored with citrus; they give a delicious taste and an amazing aroma. You can also add ginger or chili pepper for a spicy touch, or if you enjoy bold flavors, try using star anise.
One of the most traditional variations is cup chocolate with cinnamon, a drink that evokes the Christmas festivities. Finally, for those with bolder palates, we recommend trying to add a little salt just before serving.

Now that you know how to make hot chocolate right in your kitchen, all that's left to do is prepare it. Enjoy it hot in the company of friends or family, along with a nice slice of cake or some shortcrust cookies.

On our site Spaghetti & Mandolino, you can find the finest chocolate bars to create an excellent hot chocolate with an extremely tasty flavor, and you can also find ready-to-use hot chocolate packets!