HOT CHOCOLATE - 3 ways Hot Chocolate

Warm Up Your Day with These Three Delicious Hot Chocolate Recipes

There's something about a hot chocolate drink that hits the spot, especially on a cold summer day or a chilly December morning and evening. It's a rich, comforting beverage that has been enjoyed for centuries. The origins of hot chocolate can be traced back to the indigenous cultures of Central America, where cacao beans were first cultivated and consumed. When the Spanish arrived in the Americas in the 16th century, they brought the cacao bean back to Europe, where it was eventually turned into the chocolate we know today.

Hot chocolate can be made with a variety of ingredients, including milk or water, cocoa powder or chocolate, and sugar or other sweeteners. Some recipes call for the addition of spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg, while others use flavorings such as vanilla or peppermint. Whether you’re curling up with a good book on a cold winter day or enjoying a cozy night with friends, hot chocolate is sure to warm you up and lift your spirits.

Here's a look at three different homemade hot chocolate recipes from the Philippines, America, and Italy that I made. Each one brings its own unique twist to this beloved drink, perfect for any cold day.

Recipe Video:

Ingredients:

Tsokolate Filipino Hot Chocolate

• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 pieces unsweetened tabliya/tablea or tsokolate
• 2 tbsp muscovado sugar

Instructions:

1. In a pot, bring the water to a boil.
2. Add the tablea and stir until fully dissolved.
3. Add the milk and sugar, stirring continuously.
4. Let it simmer until it reaches your desired thickness.
5. Pour into mugs and enjoy the rich, chocolatey goodness.

American Homemade Hot Chocolate

• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• pinch sea salt
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until warm.

Whisk in the cocoa powder and sugar until well combined and heated through.

Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream or marshmallows if desired.

Italian Hot Chocolate

• 2 1/4 cups whole milk
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 160 g 65% dark chocolate
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• pinch sea salt
• 1 tbsp cornstarch dilute to 1/4 cup whole milk

Instructions:

In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of milk and the cornstarch until smooth.

In a saucepan, heat the remaining milk over medium heat until it begins to steam.

Add the cornstarch mixture, whisking continuously until the milk thickens slightly.

Remove from heat and stir in the chopped chocolate and sugar until smooth and melted.

Return to low heat and cook, stirring, until thick and creamy.

Pour into mugs and savor each luxurious sip.

Homemade hot chocolate makes your kitchen smell wonderful and is good for the soul. In the morning, sitting beside the window while sipping your favorite chocolate drink is so relaxing. In the evening, curling up with hands wrapped around a warm mug of hot chocolate is pure bliss. Whether you choose the traditional Filipino Tsokolate, the classic American version, or the decadent Italian Cioccolata Calda, these hot chocolate recipes are sure to keep you warm and comfort on those cold days. Enjoy!