hot cocoa

New England weather, man! I can't even deal with it even after nineteen years, it is so temperamental. I've told you about our heat wave and I keep mentioning rain- It's actually bouncing from one end of the spectrum to the other and back!

That being said, while this week has been scorching, last was drenched and all I wanted was a warm-you-to-your-very-soul cup of hot chocolate. 

So into the crazy world of pinterest I delved, searching diligently through recipe after recipe.

And I found a gem.

Cioccolata Calda

(Italian Hot Chocolate)

1 1/2 cups + 2 tablespoons of milk

3 tablespoons of cocoa powder

(I used more because I like my chocolate dark)

1 11/2 tablespoons of white granulated sugar

1 tablespoon of cornstarch
splash of vanilla

1. We had no cornstarch so I rummaged through the internet again and discovered that 2 tablespoons of regular old flour can replace 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in a pinch.

2. Mix the sugar and the cocoa powder together in the saucepan.

3. Stir the 1 1/2 cups of milk into the dry ingredients and set to simmer on a low heat, whisking occasionally.

4. Add your splash of vanilla.

5. Combine the 2 tablespoons of milk and the cornstarch/flour in a separate bowl and make sure it is smoothly and thoroughly mixed. 

6. Start adding the mixture to the simmering liquid chocolate, whisking near constantly for 2-3 minutes or until thickened. This differs from other hot cocoa recipes I've tried, and it tastes so very good! Someone commented that it is almost half-pudding, half-beverage, and wholly delicious!

7. Serve and enjoy!

P.S.- vegan version here