There’s something incredibly indulgent about sipping a cup of cioccolata calda, Italy’s version of hot chocolate. Don’t expect a thin, milky drink here, this version is thick, rich, and almost pudding-like. Made with real dark chocolate and just a touch of cornstarch to thicken things up, it’s a warm, comforting treat that feels straight out of a cozy café tucked away in Rome or Florence.
The Italian truly go all in on the chocolate flavor for this drink. A combination of cocoa powder and chopped dark chocolate gives it deep flavor and velvety smoothness, while a little sugar keeps the bitterness in check. The cornstarch mixture is whisked into a create that beautifully velvety and thick texture.
Once the chocolate melts completely, you’re left with a luscious drink that’s somewhere between pudding and hot cocoa. It’s best served immediately with a generous dollop of whipped cream or alongside a fresh pastry for dipping. It’s the perfect choice for chilly evenings, Christmas even or anytime you’re craving something extra special. Once you taste this Italian Drinking Chocolate it’s going to be impossible to go back to the Swiss Mix. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
Italian Drinking Chocolate
Allergens: Milk
Ingredients
- 3 cups whole milk, divided
- 1 ½ teaspoons corn starch
- 3 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 (4 oz) high quality dark chocolate bar, roughly chopped
Preparation
- In a small bowl combine 1/3 cup milk and cornstarch, whisk together then set aside.
- Add cocoa and sugar to a medium-sized bowl and mix to combine.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, add remaining milk and warm over medium heat just until simmering, then reduce heat to low.
- While continuously whisking, slowly add the cornstarch mixture followed by the cocoa mixture until fully incorporated.
- Add chocolate and mix until smooth. Cook for 1 additional minute.
- Ladle into mugs and serve right away. Top with whipped cream if desired.
Recipe adapted from Anitalianinmykitchen.com