Discover the origins and learn 5 delicious recipes

Chocolate is good in all forms and occasions, right? But, you will agree that on a cold and rainy day, there is nothing better than a hot chocolate to warm your heart and stomach. There’s no doubt that hot chocolate is even better in winter. Whether it’s because it’s a hot drink or because romantic films taught us that.

Although it is a much loved and popular drink today, its origins are very old. Legend has it that it was the 16th century Aztecs who thought of it for the first time. However, the original recipe was very different from what we see today. The first known hot chocolate recipe was very spicy and very bitter.

However, over time, new combinations and flavors of this special drink emerged. For example, there is hot chocolate that is more bitter, sweeter, creamy, thin, spicy and even with cheese, and so on. Even so, the essence of the drink remains the same, and is enjoyed all over the world.

Therefore, today we are going to take a tour and learn a little more about how hot chocolate is made in some places around the world. In addition, we will also share 5 hot chocolate recipes for you to innovate the next time you drink the drink.

Hot chocolate around the world

Hot Chocolate in Ecuador

In the equator, hot chocolate is served in a very special and even peculiar way. That’s because the sweet drink is covered in cheese.

Hot Chocolate in Spain

The drink, which is a Spanish breakfast tradition, is served in a very creamy version, and is usually accompanied by churros.

Hot chocolate appeared in Spain in the mid-17th century. And, thanks to its strong flavor, it soon became one of the most beloved drinks among the Spanish aristocracy.

Hot Chocolate in Jamaica

Thus, also in the Jamaica region and in some parts of the Caribbean, hot chocolate is so beloved that it is known as the “drink of the gods”.

At first, the drink was made in a very traditional way, based on pure cocoa ground with hot water. However, starting in the late 17th century, they added milk to the recipe.

Hot Chocolate in Holland

In short, the Dutch started producing powdered chocolate in 1892. Furthermore, over time, they also started producing their famous chocolate bars, and became a reference in this market. Perhaps for this reason, Dutch hot chocolate is known worldwide for its unique and incomparable flavor.

Chocolate Quente in Mexico

Meanwhile, in Mexico, the drink is served differently. While in most places the drink is already ready for consumption, in Mexican lands you are the one who makes your hot chocolate to your liking.

There, chocolate is served in small blocks, accompanied by water, milk or hot cream. Therefore, the customer himself places the chocolate in the container so that it melts. Finally, you can season the drink with more chocolate, cinnamon, pepper or vanilla.

5 Hot Chocolate Recipes

However, now that you’ve learned a little more about the drink around the world, how about finding out some special hot chocolate recipes?

1. Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

• 1 box of cream;
• 3 spoons of chocolate powder;
• 1/2 box of condensed milk;
• 2 cups of milk;
• Cinnamon powder to taste.

Preparation mode:

• Add the cream, chocolate powder and condensed milk in a pan over medium heat, stirring until it boils;
• Then add the milk and cinnamon powder to taste;
• And so, continue stirring until it boils again.
• Finally, serve as you prefer.

2. Dark Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

• 1 liter of milk;
• 350 g of semi-sweet chocolate;
• 50 g of chocolate powder;
• 200 g of cream;
• 25 g de amido;
• 2 g vanilla essence.

Preparation mode:

• Melt the semi-sweet chocolate with the cream in the microwave for 2 minutes, on medium power, thus forming a ganache;
• Boil the milk with the chocolate powder and starch. Then add the ganache and let it boil for a minute. Therefore, after boiling, just serve.

3. Pink Pepper Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

• 1 liter of milk;
• 3 tablespoons of cornstarch;
• 1 cup of chocolate powder;
• 1 cup of sugar;
• 1 tablespoon of cinnamon powder;
• 1 box of cream;
• ½ cup of pink pepper.

Preparation mode:

• First, bring the milk, sugar and chocolate to a boil;
• When it boils, add the starch already dissolved in half a cup of water and the cinnamon. Note: always stirring to avoid granularity;
• Bring to a boil and then add the cream. Therefore, when it boils, turn it off;
• Finally, when serving, decorate with pink pepper or crushed chocolate mixture.

4. Creamy Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

• 1 bar of 500g of milk chocolate;
• 1 small box of cream (200g);
• 3 times the same measure of whole milk.

Preparation mode:

• Use only half of the milk chocolate bar (250g). Chop the chocolate and melt it in a bain-marie;
• When melted, add the cream and mix in a bain-marie;
• Once the mixture is homogeneous, add the whole milk, stir, remove from the water bath and let it boil. Finally, serve as you prefer.

5. Creamy Cinnamon Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (tea) of milk;
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch;
• 3 tablespoons of chocolate powder;
• 4 tablespoons of sugar;
• 1 cinnamon stick;
• 1 small box of cream.

Preparation mode:

• First, in a blender, beat the milk, cornstarch, chocolate powder and sugar;
• Then, pour the mixture into a pan with the cinnamon and heat over low heat, stirring constantly until it boils;
• After that, turn off the heat and add the cream. Then, you need to stir well until you get a homogeneous mixture.
• Finally, remove the cinnamon and serve hot.

Anyway, what did you think of these recipes? In fact, if you are passionate about chocolate, take the opportunity to check out 15 practical and delicious recipes for making Easter eggs.

Sources: Blog Maria Chocolate, Catraca Livre, GShow, Tudo Gostoso