How to make the perfect cioccolata calda!

For those passionate about Italy and all things Italian, nothing can beat a cup of Italian hot chocolate – cioccolata calda – on a cold winters day like we all seem to be experiencing at the moment!

For those that have had the pleasure of a true cioccolata calda in Italy, you’ll know that Italian hot chocolate is rich, incredibly thick and truly decadent…. and definitely far superior to a hot chocolate as we know it in the UK. It has an almost pudding like consistency and reminds me of the chocolate sauce I used to get as a child! Mmmmm… delicious! But how to make the perfect Italian hot chocolate remained a mystery to us for a while…

The good news is that it’s made with just 4 simple ingredients – chocolate powder, whole milk (to ensure it’s deliciously creamy), cornflour and sugar. Even better, it takes less than 5 minutes to make.

First thing’s first….make sure you buy a high quality chocolate powder. This will ensure that the hot chocolate is rich and full of intense flavour. Put 4 ounces of the powder into a saucepan and add a tiny bit of milk…. you need just enough to form a smooth paste. Next, add one and a half cups of milk and stir well to combine. Heat gently. Add 2 tablespoons of sugar and stir well to dissolve. In a separate bowl, mix 2 teaspoons of cornflour with some milk, again to form a smooth paste. Add to the chocolate mixture and, keeping it on a low heat, constantly stir until the liquid has thickened and coats the back of a wooden spoon.

Pour into a large mug, sit back and enjoy! For those looking for that extra bit of luxury, add some whipped cream on top.

If you fancy comparing your creation to a genuine cioccolata calda in Italy, have a look at www.bookingsforyou.com. They will be able to help you plan a trip to this wonderful country!