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OUR ITALIAN-STYLE HOT CHOCOLATE RECIPE
Written by Chloé
Treat yourself to our easy and tasty recipe for homemade hot chocolate. This delicious drink will awaken your taste buds thanks to our secret method. Halfway between simplicity and comfort, try our traditional homemade hot chocolate recipe!
WHAT IS HOT CHOCOLATE?
Hot chocolate, or hot cocoa, is an ancient hot drink made from cocoa powder or melted chocolate mixed with milk. Traditional hot chocolate is often appreciated for its sweetness and ease of preparation, making it the perfect drink for cold winters.
MaxiCoffee Tasty Tip
You can also add an even smoother touch by opting for a Viennese hot chocolate: add whipped cream at the end of your preparation.
The origins of hot chocolate
The history of hot chocolate goes back to the ancient civilisations of Central and South America, where the Mayans and Aztecs were already preparing chocolate-based drinks. They even attributed magical properties to this drink, as it was supposed to nourish people after death.
However, it was not until the 16th century that chocolate was introduced to Europe and hot chocolate became popular.
Today every culture knows its own version of this chocolate drink to the delight of our taste buds. That’s why you can find versions of hot chocolate that are alternately made with spices or even hot peppers!
The benefits of cocoa
Cocoa, the magical ingredient behind delicious hot chocolate, is not only a source of gustatory pleasure, it also has health benefits.
Rich in antioxidants, cocoa helps neutralise free radicals in the body, offering protection against oxidative stress.
This superfood is also known to stimulate the production of serotonin, the happy hormone, leading to a feeling of well-being. Cocoa is also a source of magnesium, essential for heart health and regulating blood pressure.
Consuming a cup of cocoa-based hot chocolate can also be beneficial for the brain, promoting concentration and cognition thanks to its stimulating properties. Cocoa contains flavonoids, which are associated with positive effects on vascular function.
How many cups of hot chocolate can you have a day?
Don’t hesitate to make your own homemade hot chocolate to savour its exquisite taste while enjoying the benefits that cocoa brings to your general well-being.
What’s more, as cocoa is made up of many beneficial nutrients, you don’t need to consume large quantities to benefit from its virtues.
One cup of hot chocolate a day is all you need to enjoy its benefits!
When should you drink hot chocolate?
Hot chocolate can be enjoyed at any time of day, as it contains theobromine, a compound similar to caffeine, but with much milder effects.
It can be consumed at breakfast in the morning to get your day off to a good start, or enjoyed in the afternoon for a comforting break.
Hot chocolate can also be a drink of choice on chilly evenings: it provides a soothing touch, perfect for relaxing before going to sleep.
In winter, the comforting power of hot chocolate also makes it a perfect choice for socialising with friends and family.
So whether it’s dawn, mid-afternoon or dusk, hot chocolate can be adapted to any moment, adding a dose of well-being and comfort to your daily routine.
HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE HOT CHOCOLATE?
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of cornflour
- 470 ml whole milk
- 100 g dark chocolate
- Sea salt
Material
- 1 saucepan
- 2L container
- 1 large cup / mug
- 1 knife
- 1 spoon or whip
Preparation
- Step 1 Cut and crush the dark chocolate into pieces. Set aside.
- Step 2 Pour the cocoa powder, cornflour and sugar into a separate bowl. Mix with the milk.
- Step 3 Heat the remaining milk and add the cocoa powder, cornflour and sugar. Stir everything together.
- Step 4 Pour in a little pinch of sea salt and your chocolate, which has been crushed into small pieces. Stir again.
- Step 5 Serve in your cup and enjoy!
MaxiCoffee Tasty Tip
For an extra touch of originality to your favourite hot drink, feel free to add a sweet note with tasty marshmallows on top.
Pure Cocoa powder – Organic & Fairtrade – Destination (250 g)
– Sugar-free low-fat cocoa
– Pure cocoa
– Organic
Explore the benefits of hot chocolate, find the perfect moment to enjoy it, and make our easy homemade chocolate recipe. This delicious experience will give you the comfort of a traditional chocolate drink and a cosy moment in the comfort of your own home! And for more recipes, check out our other blog posts.
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