Description
Indulge in a luxurious cup of Rich Italian Hot Chocolate, a creamy and decadent beverage made with high-quality dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and a touch of cornstarch for extra thickness. This comforting drink is perfect for chilly days or special occasions, topped with chocolate shavings and whipped cream for an extra touch of elegance.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Mixture
- 6 ounces dark chocolate (70-74%), finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- Pinch of kosher salt
Cornstarch Slurry
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup 2% milk
Milk
- 1 3/4 cups 2% milk
Garnishes
- Chocolate shavings
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Get ready: Gather and prepare all ingredients and equipment to streamline the cooking process.
- Mix chocolate ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped dark chocolate, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and a pinch of kosher salt. In a separate small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with 1/4 cup of 2% milk until smooth, forming a slurry.
- Melt the chocolate: Heat a medium saucepan over medium-low heat and bring the remaining 1 3/4 cups of 2% milk to a gentle simmer, watching closely for bubbles at the edges. Add the chocolate mixture and stir continuously with a wooden spoon or heat-proof spatula until the chocolate completely melts and the mixture is smooth, about 4 minutes.
- Add the slurry: Whisk the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan. Continue to stir for about 1 minute until the entire mixture thickens into a creamy, slightly thickened texture.
- Let cool: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the hot chocolate to cool for 5 minutes. If a skin forms on the surface, whisk gently to keep the texture smooth.
- Serve: Pour the hot chocolate into heat-proof cups or mugs. Garnish with chocolate shavings and whipped cream if desired. Serve immediately while warm for a rich, indulgent experience.
Notes
- Use high-quality dark chocolate (70-74%) for the best flavor and smooth consistency.
- Stir continuously while melting chocolate to prevent scorching or clumping.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of granulated sugar to taste.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute 2% milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk, but note texture differences.
- Serve immediately as the drink thickens upon cooling.
