Decadent Chocolate Drinks

Is there anything more luxurious than drinking a mug of hot chocolate on a cold evening by a log fire, cuddled up in the arms of your loved one?  No, I don’t think so.  Nothing beats the feeling of warmth and decadence of a good cup of hot chocolate. 

According to Wikipedia, the first chocolate beverage is believed to have been created by the Mayans around 2,000 years ago. The beverage became popular in Europe after being introduced from Mexico to the New World, and has undergone multiple changes since then. Until the 19th century, hot chocolate was even used medicinally to treat ailments such as stomach diseases.  Back in the 1600s it was also believed that drinking hot chocolate incited love making while also promoting conception and facilitating childbirth.

Nowadays, most people just enjoy a good cup of hot chocolate for pleasure. It is one of children’s and adults favourite hot drinks. For me, the smell of hot chocolate reminds me of Christmas mornings, family gatherings and cosy happiness. A cup of hot chocolate never fails to make me feel loved and happy.

Below you will find my favourite hot chocolate recipes. Enjoy…

This recipe was passed on to me by a Spanish lover I had. The Spanish I must say are among the best at making a good hot chocolate. I am going to share my recipe with you, but you need to promise to make it for someone special in your life.

You will need:

• 4 cups of whole milk
• 120gr of dark chocolate. I like Lindt 70% cocoa bars.
• 2 table spoons of vanilla sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 cloves
• 1 Tablespoon of Maizena
• Powdered cinnamon

To make it, place the milk, cinnamon and clove into a saucepan over a low heat. Break the chocolate into small pieces, the smaller the better, and add to the milk. Whisk occasionally until the chocolate melts and the milk is steaming. Be careful not to let the milk come to a boil. Add the sugar and whisk vigorously until the sugar has dissolved and your chocolate looks foamy.

To add texture to your hot chocolate, dissolve the spoon of Maizena in a little bit of water and add to the hot chocolate. Continue stirring over a low heat until the mixture has thickened up a bit.

Remove from the heat, remove the cinnamon stick and clove and serve in big mugs sprinkled with powdered cinnamon to add sweet spiciness to your chocolate drink.  

The Mexicans like their chocolate hot and if you dare to try I have found this recipe that although it requires an acquired taste, does heat you up from inside out.

You will need:

• 2 cups boiling water
• 1 chilli pepper, cut in half, seeds removed
• 5 cups light cream
• 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate 
• Sugar to your taste
• l tablespoon almonds or hazelnuts, ground extra fine
• Whipped cream

In a large pan boil 2 cups of water, add the chilli pepper to the boiling water and cook until the liquid is reduced to 1 cup. Strain the water and set aside.

In another pan put the cream, the vanilla and cinnamon stick and cook under a medium heat until bubbles appear around the edge. Reduce the heat and add the chocolate and sugar. Stir occasionally until the chocolate is fully melted and the sugar dissolved.

Turn off the heat; remove the vanilla bean and cinnamon sticks. Add the chilli water, a little at a time, tasting to make sure the flavour isn't too strong. If the chocolate is too thick, thin it with a little more milk.

Serve in small cups and add a dollop of whipped cream sprinkled with ground almonds or hazelnuts.

Ghirardelli Chocolate Beverages

The luxuriously deep flavor of Ghirardelli Premium Chocolate Hot Cocoa creates the intense, lingering chocolate experience cherished by true cocoa lovers. Ghirardelly starts with cocoa from the finest cocoa beans, blend just the right amount of sugar, real vanilla and hazelnut essence, and add real chocolate. The result is an instant rich chocolate drink.