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Picture the smoothest, most decadent chocolate you've ever enjoyed, now made into a warm, drinkable cuddle. This Italian hot chocolate isn't just a regular powdered drink - it's a lavish treat that's thick enough to stick to your spoon and intense enough to make you sigh with pure chocolate happiness after each sip.
I stumbled upon this while on a cold vacation in Florence, where I got hooked on bringing that unforgettable cafe sensation into my kitchen. These days it's become our household's cherished weekend tradition.
Key Components
- Dark Chocolate: Go for bars with 72% cocoa for that ideal mix of sweet and bitter notes
- Cocoa Powder: Pick Dutch-processed for its mellow, deeper flavor
- Whole Milk: Don't skimp here - the fat is key for creating that velvety finish
- Cornstarch: The secret ingredient that turns ordinary cocoa into authentic Italian thickness
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Step-by-Step Making Process
- Get Everything Ready
- Break chocolate into tiny, uniform chunks for easier melting. Mix cornstarch with cold milk until totally dissolved. Have all other ingredients measured and waiting.
- Mix Your Chocolate Base
- Warm milk in a thick-bottomed pot over gentle heat. Drop in chocolate pieces, whisking non-stop. Monitor closely as chocolate blends with milk. Keep heat low to avoid burning.
- Boost The Flavor
- Gently add cocoa powder through a sieve. Stir until fully mixed in. Sprinkle just a touch of salt to bring out chocolate notes. Sample and sweeten more if needed.
- Nail The Consistency
- Add the cornstarch mixture while constantly stirring. Don't stop whisking as it thickens up. Let it cook 2-3 minutes until it sticks to your spoon. Take off heat once it feels just right.
- Fancy Presentation
- Fill pre-warmed cups. Top with your favorite extras. Enjoy right away while still hot.
In my childhood, hot chocolate was just those little powder packets with tiny marshmallows. The first sip of real Italian hot chocolate in Florence completely flipped my understanding of what this drink could be. The way it slowly fell from the spoon, that powerful chocolate punch - it was mind-blowing.
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This hot chocolate has turned into my go-to trick for making regular days feel extra special. Whether it's a lazy morning in pajamas or something sweet after dinner, it always brings that touch of Italian cafe charm straight to our table.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why do you need cornstarch?
- Cornstarch makes the drink thicker and gives it that smooth, velvety feel unique to Italian-style hot chocolate.
- → Can I substitute milk?
- Absolutely! Almond or soy milk work great as non-dairy swaps without altering the texture too much.
- → What chocolate works best?
- A good-quality dark chocolate with about 70% cacao gives the richest and most flavorful taste.
- → Why mix cornstarch in cold milk first?
- If you skip this step, you’ll end up with lumps. Mixing it cold ensures smooth blending later.
- → How do I reduce the sweetness?
- Since it uses dark chocolate and plain cocoa, just add sweetener to your liking or skip it altogether.