All Warmed Up!

All Warmed Up!

Every morning my son comes down from his room and says:  hot chocolate please!  This morning, school was called off due to icy road conditions.  Cocoa was on everyone's request list.  This time-honored beverage has many variations, and you can buy it in one-serve packets or by the canister.  It is available in large supermarkets or the latest corner gourmet shop touting unique varieties.     

What makes hot chocolate so special?  I doubt it is the basic ingredients that inspire us.  Cocoa is nostalgic and brings us back to a simpler time and place. Does it remind you of sledding on a snowy winter day?  How about Christmas morning opening up presents?  For me it represents the warmth of family and the joy of non-complication.  Make of cup of hot chocolate, or consider giving a jar of it as a gift.  Either way, it will thaw what the world so often chills.

"All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt." - Charles M. Schulz

Italian Hot Chocolate - (adapted from food.com)

5 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 tablespoons sugar
6 ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped (at least 70% cacao)
2 cups milk
*You can top with whipped cream, cinnamon, espresso powder or all three!

In a small saucepan over low heat, add the cocoa powder, sugar, and 2 tablespoons of the milk,
Heat until the sugar melts and no lumps remain, stirring well.  Bring to a low boil, stirring constantly; add the remaining milk.  Turn off the heat, add the chopped chocolate, stirring until smooth.  Top as desired and enjoy!