Nope, not a typo in my title. I tried two different types of hot chocolate this week. And yes, it is only Wednesday. Take a look at what temperature we woke up to on Tuesday:
Yeah, just a little chilly out there. Still, I had a hair appointment and since I was out anyway, made a brief stop by the grocery store. Don’t worry it was up to 3 degrees by the time I made it to the store. So, you see the logic of trying two hot chocolates this week instead of only one.
Monday’s choice:
Monday wasn’t quite as cold. However, I thought it would be a good day to try out a new recipe since I had the day off work. Colonial Hot Chocolate seemed fitting somehow as it was also Inauguration Day.
Hmm…needs a little something. How about a bit of whipped cream topped with cinnamon-sugar?
My thoughts: While I enjoyed the flavor of it, I didn’t care for the grittiness of it. Not sure if I did something wrong or that was just how they had their hot chocolate in colonial times. I do think if you put the spices in a tea strainer or maybe strained the hot chocolate before pouring in the cup, it would improve the experience quite a bit.
Notes: I didn’t have any star anise so left it out, I think it would’ve enhanced the flavor but I didn’t miss it that much. Also didn’t have any orange rinds (I’d definitely add that if I make it again) and opted to leave out the red chili pepper.
Tuesday’s Choice:
Even without the bitter cold, this choice wins of all the hot chocolates I’ve tried so far! Italian Hot Chocolate is definitely to be savored and not slurped away.
I added a bit of whipped cream to this but it did not need it. At all.
Look how thick this is:
My thoughts: First, a disclaimer, Italian food is my absolute favorite so no surprise I loved this. It was so rich and thick, definitely more a dessert than a drink. I mostly drank it off the spoon. My family, who I made try this one, all said um, it’s pudding. And it does have that texture. G thought it was a bit bitter but he’s not a dark chocolate fan.
Notes: I did make a few mistakes while making this, accidentally mixing the sugar at the beginning with the cocoa/cornstarch mixture. Making this is definitely a process that requires patience. I didn’t add any extra flavors to it. If When I make it again, I might swirl in a bit of vanilla or a bit of amaretto but I don’t think it really needs anything at all. Did I make two cups (J changed his mind about wanting any) and have a second cup without the whipped cream for dessert after dinner? Yes, yes I did.
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Remember as part of my 25 for 2025 list, I’ve decided to try a new kind of hot chocolate every week this winter (and packets count if I don’t have time to make it from scratch!).
Have you ever tried Italian hot chocolate?
Do you have a favorite style of hot chocolate I should try?