Recipe
How to Make Authentic Italian Hot Chocolate
I like hot chocolate just as much as the next chocoholic, but the warm, chocolatey beverages I’ve come across in the States cannot compare to the decadent hot chocolate I tasted in Rome, Italy.
Italian hot chocolate is more of a warm, thick, chocolate pudding, or as my sister described “the inside of a lava cake.” Sounds killer, right? Don’t worry, I won’t leave your mouth watering for much longer.
I worked through the passed-down archive of cookbooks from my two Italian grandmothers and synthesized a formula for the ultimate chocolate-stache-making treat. My family likes to enjoy this recipe for dessert (ideally with a biscotti) and a spoon. Buon appetito!
#SpoonTip: The recipe makes one serving, but it could really be shared between two or three people in smaller glasses (maybe even shot glasses if you’re having a party), depending on how much chocolate you’re hankering for.
Italian Hot Chocolate
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Servings: 1 serving
- Medium
Ingredients
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 tablespoon sugar
- 3/4 cup half and half (or milk)
- 1 orange
Step 1
Pour half and half (or milk) into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over low heat.
Photo by Carly Zaladonis
Step 2
Whisk in sugar once the half and half is simmering (you’ll know it’s simmering when you see small bubbles formed around the edges).
Photo by Carly Zaladonis
Step 3
Add chocolate and whisk until thoroughly mixed and smooth.
Photo by Carly Zaladonis
Step 4
Pour into mug or cup of choice.
Photo by Carly Zaladonis
Step 5
Garnish with orange zest.
Photo by Carly Zaladonis
There’s no such thing as too much hot chocolate: