Too much craving for hot chocolate: autumn magic in a cup.

We are approaching the cold season of heavy clothing and warm home comfort. A valuable tip we can give you to better face this period is to carve out some moments of relaxation for yourself or with company to enjoy a good cup of hot chocolate, a treat that will lift your mood and accompany you throughout the winter.

The history of hot chocolate

Get comfortable, before revealing our valuable advice, let us tell you about the history of chocolate.
The origins of chocolate as a hot beverage, the ultimate comfort food, date back to the ancient Maya, a people specialized in the cultivation and consumption of cocoa in Latin America.

The first recipe for hot chocolate at that time was very different from what we know today; the mixture was prepared by combining cocoa, beans, water, and a pinch of pepper. The differences in taste are evident, being more bitter and spicy. The recipe was dubbed "xocoatl," which means spicy, bitter, and water. It quickly became a highly appreciated and delicious drink, mainly consumed on special occasions and celebrations to exalt its importance.

In the 17th century, it began to spread throughout Europe, refining the preparation technique and the ingredients, such as the use of milk instead of water by the English, until it arrived at the tasty traditional chocolate.

Hot chocolate: uses and benefits

During the winter period, hot chocolate is a widely enjoyed and pleasant drink. Did you know that a cup of chocolate made with natural unsweetened or dark cocoa contains few sugars and guarantees a balanced and pleasant taste? The caloric intake is, in fact, balanced and allows it to be included in the daily diet of many people, even those on a low-calorie regimen.

By choosing quality ingredients, hot chocolate presents multiple health effects, such as being a powerful antioxidant, stimulating blood circulation, regulating pressure, and preventing diabetes. Among the major benefits, we can mention the production of serotonin, known as the happiness hormone. Consuming chocolate promotes the release of endorphins, neurotransmitters that enhance the feeling of pleasure and improve mood.

Moderate but regular consumption of chocolate can enhance intellectual and physical performance, improving concentration. Thanks to epicatechin and theobromine, components found in cocoa, it's possible to feel more energetic and focused.

The beneficial effects of hot chocolate are also due to the consistency and temperature of the drink, as the heat increases the amount of antioxidant substances while, conversely, decreasing the percentage of saturated fats. The flavonoids, of which chocolate is rich, keep the blood fluid and promote the oxygenation of brain tissues.

How to prepare traditional hot chocolate

Well, it's time to prepare a perfect cup of traditional chocolate! We recommend using quality products, starting with fresh whole milk for a fuller taste. It is important that the cocoa is unsweetened or dark for a more intense flavor, avoiding sweet or milk chocolate.

The recommended ingredient amounts are 250ml of fresh milk, 65g of unsweetened or dark cocoa, 15g of cornstarch or potato starch, 25g of powdered or cane sugar, and 2 vanilla beans or cinnamon to taste.

The procedure involves melting the chocolate in a bain-marie over low heat. In another saucepan, melt 150ml of milk with the cornstarch, taking care not to form lumps. Add the remaining milk, sugar, and any flavors while constantly stirring, and finally combine the melted chocolate. Stir until a thick and homogeneous mixture is obtained. It is important to serve the drink hot and garnish as desired with cream, marshmallows, almonds, amaretti, chopped hazelnuts, pistachios, or chili.

A valid alternative to save time on purchasing products and preparing the beverage is to buy the mix for hot chocolate powder directly, such as the Hot Chocolate Domori, which belongs to our selection of typical sweet products, giving you a pleasant moment of sweetness and ensuring excellent results for your palate!