Good morning everyone,
There is nothing better than enjoying a nice cup of hot coco around Christmas time. It seems to be the drink of Christmas. There are lots of amazing ways to have it and the history is just as fun. December 13 is National Cocoa Day. It’s the perfect way to warm up after a cold day outside. There is lots of fun and interesting ways you can make the popular drink. Some like it hot, while others like it cold. The possibilities are endless. This amazing beverage also have a fun history.
Did you know that the Mayans are credited with creating the first chocolate beverage around 2000 years ago. Culturally, cocoa became an essential part of the Aztec civilization by 1400 AD. After the drink found its way from Mexico through the New World, Europeans popularized the chocolate drink. However, it has undergone multiple changes since then. Until the 19th century, drinkers used hot chocolate medicinally to treat ailments such as stomach diseases. Did you also know that drinking hot chocolate can be healthy for you?!? That is something I can get behind. The health benefits of drinking hot cocoa contains significant amounts of antioxidants that may help prevent cancer. They have also shown that the cocoa bean helps with digestion. The flavonoids found in cocoa also have a positive effect on arterial health.
With the amazing benefits of Cocoa people all over the world love to enjoy it in many forms. Chocolate lovers enjoy both drinking cocoa and hot cocoa in a variety of combinations. Some top the hot drink with whipped cream or marshmallows. Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon or peppermint to make the chocolate extra special. For an added caffeinated boost, some hot cocoa drinkers add a little bit of instant coffee. This is a great way to make your coffee awesome when you are backpacking or camping. This is one of my favorites. The coffee and chocolate flavors combine for a delicious mocha drink that helps make your instant coffee taste way better on the trail.
With so many amazing ways to have the drink, I wanted to learn how to make this drink from around the world and discovered my new favorite way to have it. It’s a thicker creamer hot chocolate with a little bit of heat and I LOVE IT!!! Italy makes their version of hot coco like this.
Italian Hot Chocolate in grams and cups ( Makes 2 or 3( smaller) servings):
- 375 gr Milk (1 1/2 cups)
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
- 100 gr Dark Chocolate ( 3.5 ounces)
- 30 gr Sugar ( 2 1/2 tbsp)
- 2 tbsp Cocoa Powder
- Pinch of Salt
- Dash of Chili Pepper
Here is the video that you an watch on how to make the amazing drink. By adding the little bit of Chili powder it gives it a nice pep and really warms your tummy. Its a added delight to your chocolate. You don’t have to add the Chili powder, but try it. I ended up loving it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxIK9gQmXeM&t=172s
The video also shows you a way to make the drink with out the corn starch to not make it so thick.
American in grams and cups ( Makes 2 or 3( smaller) servings):
- 375 gr Milk (1 1/2 cups)
- 50 gr Dark Chocolate ( 2 ounces)
- 30 gr Sugar (2 1/2 tbsp)
- 1 tbsp Cocoa Powder
- Pinch of Salt
This year it seems that Hot Chocolate bombs are the new thing. You place the Chocolate ball in your mug and pour your hot milk over the top and watch as it melts and devolves into your drink. This new way is fun and exciting for all ages. Here is a video on how you can make your own. It’s a great idea for a last min Christmas gift.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dKyN6IR0-s. Have Fun!!!
Hot Coco is a fun and amazing drink and it’s perfect for the holidays. However you like to drink it make sure you have fun with it. You can gather the family and have a hot coco bar with all of the goodies to enjoy. It’s a great last minute Christmas gift for someone that you love. It’s a great way to include someone for a coffee date that doesn’t like coffee. So start up the fire and pour you a mug. Enjoy this amazing a fun filled day with your family.
Tiffany
Program Supervisor