Hot Chocolate / Ciocolata calda

Directions

1. In a small pot, begin to warm the milk over a low flame. 

2. As the milk is heating up stir often. Be careful NOT to bring the milk to a boil.

3. Meanwhile, in a small bowl or large mug, stir all the dry ingredients.  Once the milk is hot, add just a little of the hot milk to the bowl.  Stir until the dry ingredients are lump free and make a chocolate paste-like mixture. (Note: the cocoa mixture will lump and be very hard to stir into the milk if you just pour it straight into your pot.) 

4. Keep adding the milk until the mixture has been diluted. 

5. Pour the chocolate mixture back into the hot milk and stir until well blended.  Adjust the amount of sugar and cocoa for sweeter or chocolatier hot chocolate.

 

Variations: For a simple mocha, add some instant coffee granules or a shot of espresso to your cup of Hot Chocolate. For Mint Hot Chocolate, add a mint tea bag. You may also try adding a splash of vanilla, or other flavoring. You can also try a dash of cinnamon, chili or other spice.

 

Substitutions: Milk/Cream. Sugar/Honey.