Description
Silky Milano-style hot chocolate delivers rich, velvety indulgence perfect for cold winter nights. Chocolate lovers will savor this luxurious beverage that warms from within and satisfies deep cocoa cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups (960 ml/32 fl oz) whole milk
- 3.5 oz (100 g) dark chocolate (60% cocoa), chopped
- ¼ cup (50 g/1.75 oz) granulated sugar
- 3 tbsps (21 g/0.75 oz) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp (8 g/0.25 oz) cornstarch
- 1 tsp (5 ml/0.17 fl oz) vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp (1.5 g/0.05 oz) salt
Instructions
- Milk Fusion: Combine whole milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan, creating a harmonious base for the velvety hot chocolate.
- Chocolate Integration: Position the saucepan over medium heat, whisking ingredients until sugar dissolves completely, then carefully chop dark chocolate into uniform pieces and gradually melt into the warming milk mixture.
- Cornstarch Transformation: Prepare a silky cornstarch slurry by thoroughly whisking remaining milk with cornstarch, ensuring no lumps remain, then gently incorporate into the chocolate blend while stirring continuously.
- Flavor Refinement: Reduce heat to low, allowing the mixture to simmer for 1-2 minutes, thickening to a luxurious density, then remove from heat and infuse with pure vanilla extract for an aromatic complexity.
- Serving Elegance: Pour the decadent hot chocolate into pre-warmed mugs, presenting a rich, velvety beverage that promises an indulgent sensory experience.
Notes
- Select Premium Chocolate: Use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for a rich, intense flavor that elevates the entire drink.
- Perfect Whisking Technique: Consistent, gentle whisking prevents scorching and ensures smooth milk integration, creating a luxurious texture without lumps.
- Cornstarch Precision: Mix cornstarch thoroughly with cold milk first to avoid clumping and achieve a silky, thick hot chocolate consistency that coats the spoon.
- Temperature Control: Maintain medium-low heat while simmering to activate cornstarch without burning, allowing the hot chocolate to thicken naturally and develop deep, complex flavors.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 0.3 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg