National Hot Chocolate Day: Decadent Recipes And Unique Variations
Introduction
National Hot Chocolate Day, celebrated on the 31st of January each year, is a tribute to the history, cultural significance, and the simple joy of savouring a cup of chocolate. Hot chocolate is rather diverse and multicultural, originating more than 3000 years back with the Mayans and their ‘xocolātl’ (a spiced, bitter, frothy drink).
Europe was introduced to hot chocolate in the 16th century and their delicate palate decided to sweeten it. This made hot chocolate a delicious and luxurious drink for the European elite. Nearly every country added their own spin to it. Italy thickened their hot chocolate occasionally with egg yolk, while France added vanilla and other spices to their cocoa mugs. As a result, hot chocolate’s variations have always been an intrinsic part of its evolution across countries and time periods.
In modern times, hot chocolate is no longer just a basic cocoa beverage. It has evolved beyond a traditional dark chocolate-based drink into unique and creative forms such as red velvet dark chocolate. Such a rich heritage down the timeline makes National Hot Chocolate Day the perfect occasion for trying vintage and modern variations of the classy cocoa drink with loved ones.
Creative Hot Chocolate Recipes And Variations
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Old Fashioned Hot Chocolate (Serves 3-4)
Adapted from 19th-century cookbooks, this vintage hot chocolate recipe is easy to make and has a simple yet robust chocolatey taste. This recipe requires 708 ml water, 180 gm unsweetened chocolate squares, 3-4 tsp sugar (or sweetener of choice), and ½ tsp of ground nutmeg (milk or cream is optional). Heat a cup of water till it is nearly boiling. Add the chocolate squares, let them melt, and simmer in the hot water for a few minutes. Add sugar or sweetener of choice. You can also add a couple of tablespoons of milk or cream if you will. Pour hot chocolate into a mug and add the nutmeg before serving.
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French Hot Chocolate (Serves 2-3)
Savour the most decadent hot chocolate variation with this recipe as the key to cracking it is top-shelf chocolate. This recipe requires 350 ml whole milk, 115 ml heavy cream, 2 tsp powdered sugar, ½ tsp espresso powder (optional), 226 gms 70% chopped dark chocolate, and a bowl of whipped cream (for serving). In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the milk, cream, powdered sugar, and espresso powder till small bubbles appear around the edges. Do not over-boil the mixture. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the chopped chocolate until melted. Set the saucepan on low flame again if the chocolate is not completely melted. Serve warm with lots of whipped cream.
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Mexican Hot Chocolate (Serves 4)
Creamy, smooth, and spiced, this hot chocolate variation is every cocoa bean enthusiast’s ideal treat. Serves 4. This recipe requires 720 ml whole milk, 113 gm chopped bittersweet chocolate, 3 tbsp cocoa powder (keep some extra aside for garnishing as well), 3 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp vanilla extract, a pinch of cayenne pepper, and a bowl of whipped cream for serving. In a saucepan, whisk together the milk, cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and cayenne pepper. Place over medium flame and stir for five minutes or so, until steaming. Do not let the mixture boil. Turn off the stove and add the chopped chocolate. Stir well until smooth and melted. Serve immediately with whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa powder.
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Peppermint Hot Chocolate (Serves 4)
Easy to make with a unique twist, this delicious hot chocolate recipe is perfect for winter festivities, thanks to the presence of peppermint. This recipe requires 708 ml whole milk, 340 gm semi-sweet dark chocolate (finely chopped), 240 ml heavy cream, 8 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, ½ tsp peppermint extract, ½ tsp of kosher salt, crushed candy canes and marshmallows (for garnishing). In a pan, mix milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, and peppermint extracts along with salt. Heat the mixture on medium-low until bubbles start forming around the side of the pan. Reduce heat to low and add the chopped chocolate, stirring well, until the mixture has thickened, looks glossy, and the chocolate has completely melted. Pour it into a mug and top it off with marshmallows and crushed candy canes for the ultimate minty touch.
Quick Tips
- Always opt for high-quality chocolate, as it can really make a big difference in taste and aroma.
- For decadent hot chocolates, always choose whole or full-fat milk and skip the water for truly rich beverages.
National Hot Chocolate Day gives cocoa-holics a chance to retrace the roots of the beloved dessert bean while sipping on its unique concoctions. Not only do the sweet-toothed get a chance to engage with the versatility of chocolate, but they also get to explore how various flavourings and spices can make melted, rich chocolate taste better.
