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La Dolce Vita!
5 Fav Hot Chocolates Italian-Style
By Francine Segan
for www.BettyConfidential.com, December 2009
I just got back from 2 wonderful weeks in northern Italy. The downside of a late fall Italy visit is that it's little chilly, but the upside is discovering their fabulous hot chocolate drinks!
Italians nestle up to a thick, dense cup of hot chocolate in the afternoon. You can use whole milk or cream like they do, or even skim milk, or soy milk, if you prefer.
-1-
Classic Italian Hot Chocolate
Recipe courtesy of Vanini/ICAM chocolates, www.vaninicioccolato.it
Serves 2
A decadently delicious Italian hot chocolate. Make big batches so it's on ready to use throughout the winter.
For variety, you can add orange zest or a dash of cinnamon to the hot milk.
2 tablespoons Italian unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
2 ounces quality dark chocolate, such as Vanini 70%, finely grated
12 ounces whole milk
Mix the cocoa powder, sugar and dark chocolate in a small bowl. This dry mix can last for months.
Bring the milk to a low boil and mix with the dry ingredients.
Divide between two mugs and enjoy!
-2-
"Baci" Hot Chocolate
Recipe courtesy of Perugina, www.nestle.it/brand/Perugina/prodotti/HubProdotti.htm
Serves 2
If you swoon over Baci, those creamy candies filled with hazelnut genache topped with a whole hazelnut and covered in dark chocolate, then this is the hot chocolate for you!
4 teaspoons hazelnut butter
3 ounces Perugina dark chocolate, chopped
12 ounces milk
In a small saucepan combine the hazelnut or peanut butter, chocolate and milk. Simmer, stirring to melt the chocolate, until very warm. Divide between two mugs and enjoy!
-3-
Mayan Spice
Recipe courtesy of Venchi, www.venchi.com
Serves 2
2 tablespoons Venchi unsweetened cocoa powder
1-2 tablespoons sugar
2 ounces Venchi hot pepper dark chocolate, chopped
12 ounces whole milk
Whipped cream, optional
Cayenne pepper, optional
Mix the cocoa powder, sugar, chocolate and milk in a small saucepan. Simmer until warm and the chocolate fully melted.
Divide between two mugs and top with whipped cream and a dash of cayenne pepper, if you like.
-4-
Espresso Hot Chocolate--Bicerin
Serves 2
This drink is a specialty of the city of Turin, home of the last winter Olympics. It's traditionally served in a glass so that you can see the three layers-thick hot chocolate, espresso and whipped cream.
10 ounces whole milk
3 ounces dark Italian chocolate, such as Perugina, Vanini or Venchi, chopped
1/2 teaspoon potato or corn starch
4 ounces hot espresso
Whipped cream
Combine the milk, chocolate and cornstarch in a saucepan. Simmer until warm and thick. Divide between two heat-resistant glasses.
Top each with equal parts of the espresso and finish with a dollop of whipped cream.
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Spiked Hot Chocolate
Courtesy of Caffo, www.distilleriacaffo.com
Serves 2
Grappa and chocolate are a classic Italian pairing, but you can spike this hot chocolate with your favorite liquor. It's great with rum, or for less spike, try liqueurs like Caffuccino, limoncello, Del Capo, or Sambuca.
6 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
2 cups milk
Sugar, optional
Caffo grappa Italiana
Place the milk, chocolate and sugar to taste in a small saucepan. Simmer until warm and the chocolate completely melted.
Divide between two cups and top with a shot of grappa.
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