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The ancient Aztecs enjoyed drinking
chocolate – a cold mixture of ground cocoa beans and water spiced with vanilla or cayenne pepper – as early as the 16th century. Even then, they knew this sweet concoction was a treat: aristocrats served it in golden goblets, while the masses drank it in bowls so they could savor all the aromas.
While Americans often use the terms “hot cocoa” and “hot chocolate” interchangeably, they refer to two different beverages. Hot cocoa is made from a powdered mix of cocoa and sugar, whereas hot chocolate is made from solid chocolate, which already includes cocoa, cocoa butter and sugar. Hot chocolate also leaves a smoother, more satisfying feeling in your mouth.
Making great hot chocolate, according to Guy Darienzo, co-owner of Uncommon Grounds Café in Saugatuck, means selecting quality ingredients. “Using a very, very good chocolate is the key – something that’s not too sweet,” he says. (Selecting a chocolate bar with around 70 percent cacao ensures a rich, chocolatey taste.) Ground chocolate is sold in boxes like cocoa, but it’s sweetened and contains more cocoa butter. If you’re unable to find ground chocolate, simply shave or chop your favorite premium chocolate bar. The cardinal rule: The better the chocolate you start with, the better your hot chocolate
will taste.
Finally, watch your milk – “it should never boil,” he says. “If you pour the hot chocolate in a mug, you should be able to touch the mug.”
Here, Darienzo shares two new twists on an old favorite:
VANILLA MALTED HOT CHOCOLATE
With its hint of vanilla, this simple drink is pure, sweet comfort in a mug. You can adjust the richness with the milk you select – this hot chocolate is delicious with whole milk, two percent or skim.
Ingredients:
3 T. ground chocolate
(Darienzo recommends Ghirardelli.)
2 T. malted milk powder
1?2 t. high-quality, pure vanilla extract
1mug milk
Directions:
1. Use your favorite mug to measure milk amount, leaving 1?2 inch at the top. Pour milk from mug into small saucepan, and heat until just before boiling.
2. Spoon remaining ingredients into empty mug.
3. Pour hot milk back into mug and stir.
Makes 1 serving.
SPICY HOT CHOCOLATE
Extra-cold nights call for some extra heat. This sweet-spicy concoction, with its fiery aftertaste, warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients:
3 T. ground chocolate
Pinch cayenne pepper
1 t. cinnamon-flavored syrup (Often used to flavor coffee drinks, this syrup is available at coffee shops and specialty gourmet markets.)
1?2 t. ground cinnamon
1 mug milk
Directions:
1. Use your favorite mug to measure milk amount, leaving 1?2 inch at the top. Pour milk from mug into small saucepan, and heat until just before boiling.
2. Spoon remaining ingredients into empty mug.
3. Pour hot milk back into mug and stir.
Makes 1 serving.
• Saugatuck
127 Hoffman St.
uncommongroundscafe.com
269-857-3333
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