Hot Chocolate Recipe - AMERICAN VS ITALIAN HOT CHOCOLATE

Ingredients

• 2 cups Whole Milk (Reserve 3‑4 tbsp for slurry; whole milk gives best creaminess)
• 2 tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (For Italian hot chocolate; use high‑quality cocoa)
• 1 teaspoon Cornstarch (Thickening agent for Italian style)
• 100 grams Dark Chocolate (70% cocoa, chopped into small pieces)
• 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar (Adjust to taste; can be increased for sweeter drink)
• 2 cups Whole Milk (Second batch for American hot chocolate)
• 1 tablespoon Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (For American hot chocolate; lower ratio gives lighter drink)
• 30 grams Dark Chocolate (70% cocoa, chopped)
• 1‑2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar (Adjust to taste for American version)
• 0.25 cup Mini Marshmallows (Optional topping for either style)

Instructions

1. Make Italian slurry

   In a mixing bowl combine the reserved 3‑4 tbsp milk, cocoa powder, and cornstarch. Whisk until a smooth, lump‑free paste forms.

   Time: PT2M

2. Heat milk for Italian style

   Place a saucepan over low heat and add the remaining milk (about 1 ½ cups). Warm gently; do not let it boil.

   Time: PT2M

3. Combine slurry and simmer

   Stir the cocoa‑cornstarch slurry into the warm milk. Add sugar and whisk continuously. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer; you’ll see it begin to thicken.

   Time: PT3M

4. Add dark chocolate (Italian)

   Remove the saucepan from heat. Add the chopped dark chocolate and stir until fully melted and the drink is glossy.

   Time: PT1M

5. Serve Italian hot chocolate

   Pour the thick Italian hot chocolate into mugs. Optionally top with mini marshmallows and serve with a spoon.

   Time: PT1M

6. Make American slurry

   In a clean mixing bowl combine 2‑3 tbsp milk, cocoa powder, and sugar. Whisk until smooth.

   Time: PT2M

7. Heat milk for American style

   In a second saucepan over medium‑low heat, warm the remaining milk (about 1 ½ cups) until steaming but not boiling.

   Time: PT2M

8. Combine slurry and heat

   Stir the American slurry into the hot milk. Heat just until the mixture is hot and the cocoa is fully dissolved; no need to boil.

   Time: PT2M

9. Add dark chocolate (American)

   Remove from heat and stir in the chopped dark chocolate until melted and smooth.

   Time: PT1M

10. Serve American hot chocolate

    Pour the lighter American hot chocolate into mugs, top with mini marshmallows if desired, and enjoy.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

155

Protein

3g

Carbohydrates

20g

Fat

6g

Fiber

1.5g