If you’re looking for a rich hot chocolate recipe, then keep reading! When the weather outside is frightful, a cup of hot cocoa is delightful. There are different recipes around the globe, so we met with Sheldon Wiley from Hash Kitchen to taste three of them.

 

1. Italian Cioccolato Caldo

 

The first hot chocolate recipe on our list? The Italian Cioccolato Caldo! This version is a little thicker than your traditional hot cocoa – so grab a spoon!

 

Ingredients

 

1 cup whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

4 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 teaspoon cornstarch

5 ounces dark Italian chocolate

Whipped cream, to garnish

 

Directions

 

Combine the chocolate bars and sugar together in a small saucepan. Stir the milk until the sugar has dissolved. Place over low heat; slowly bring the mixture to a simmer. Continue cooking until the hot cocoa reaches a pudding-like thickness, two to three minutes. Serve with a spoon and lovely head of whip!

 

2. Indian Chai Spiced Hot Cocoa Recipe

 

With this next hot chocolate recipe, we’re getting spicy in India with a Chai Spiced Hot Cocoa. Inspired by spices used in Indian cuisine, we combined powdered cocoa with traditional chai spices: cracked peppercorn, cardamom, brown sugar, turmeric, fresh ginger, cloves, and cinnamon. Then we added the milk and gave it a steam!

 

Ingredients

 

2 cups 2% milk

2 cinnamon sticks

4 tablespoons granulated brown sugar

1 teaspoon cardamom

1/2 teaspoon white ground pepper

5 ounces dark Italian chocolate

1 ounce chopped fresh ginger

4 ounces powdered chocolate

 

Directions

 

In a sauce pan add milk and bring it to a simmer. Now using a whisk, mix in the chocolate letting it melt on a low heat. Add the remaining milk along with the sugar, cardamom powder, ginger, etc. Stir well. Make sure it doesn’t boil, and simmer for a further minute. Serve warm with a swirl of cream and grated chocolate.

 

3. Colombian Hot Chocolate Recipe con Queso

 

Finally, there’s nothing cheesy about our last hot chocolate recipe: Colombian Hot Chocolate con Queso. First, we combined milk, cocoa powder, and cayenne pepper for a kick and steamed it all together. Then comes the cheese!

 

Ingredients

 

2 cup whole milk

4 ounces powdered chocolate

1 stick cinnamon

pinch cayenne to taste

1/8 cup honey

2 oz. white cheese, such as manchego or mozzarella

 

Directions

 

Combine all ingredients except cheese to a pot, or a Colombian olleta, and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium when it boils to a froth. Cut cheese into 1cm cubes and divide evenly into hot cocoa mugs. Serve with a spoon, smile and high five!

 

If you’re looking for a hot chocolate recipe to keep you warm and toasty this winter, now you’ve got three options to choose from!

 

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