Name: Thick Italian Hot Chocolate
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups Whole Milk (Can substitute with almond, soy, or oat milk for a vegan version.); 2 tablespoons Cocoa Powder (Ensure it dissolves completely for a smooth texture.); 4 ounces Bittersweet Chocolate (Use high-quality chocolate for best results.); 2 tablespoons Cornstarch (Mix with cold water first to create a slurry.); 1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract (Optional but recommended for extra flavor.); to taste Sugar (Adjust to taste based on your chocolate preference.); ½ teaspoon Salt (Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.); as needed Whipped Cream (Can be flavored or substituted with dairy-free options.); as needed Chocolate Shavings/Cocoa Powder (For garnish.)

Description

A rich and creamy thick Italian hot chocolate that warms you up on a cold day.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups Whole Milk (Can substitute with almond, soy, or oat milk for a vegan version.)
2 tablespoons Cocoa Powder (Ensure it dissolves completely for a smooth texture.)
4 ounces Bittersweet Chocolate (Use high-quality chocolate for best results.)
2 tablespoons Cornstarch (Mix with cold water first to create a slurry.)
1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract (Optional but recommended for extra flavor.)
to taste Sugar (Adjust to taste based on your chocolate preference.)
½ teaspoon Salt (Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.)
as needed Whipped Cream (Can be flavored or substituted with dairy-free options.)
as needed Chocolate Shavings/Cocoa Powder (For garnish.)

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Instructions

In a medium saucepan, pour in your whole milk and set it over medium-low heat. Gently warm the milk, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching, until it’s steaming but not boiling—about 5 minutes.
Once the milk is warm, whisk in the cocoa powder and sugar until they dissolve completely. Continue to stir for another 2 minutes.
Add the finely chopped bittersweet chocolate to the warm mixture. Whisk continuously until the chocolate melts fully and combines, about 2-3 minutes.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to create a smooth slurry. Slowly pour this slurry into your heated hot chocolate while whisking constantly for 2-3 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract along with a pinch of salt. Stir for about a minute.
Pour your Thick Italian Hot Chocolate into mugs, filling them to the rim. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle chocolate shavings or cocoa powder.

Notes

This hot chocolate can be adjusted to your sweetness preference.
For a vegan version, use plant-based milk and whipped cream.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Beverages
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 mug
Calories: 400
Sugar: 30g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 20mg