Cinnamon Infused Thick Italian Hot Chocolate (Cioccolata Calda)

A few weeks ago, when I was deciding what beverage would grace my blog in December, my daughter had a complaint. She was tired of me making all sorts of yummy cocktails which she was too young to enjoy. It didn’t seem fair! And I couldn’t argue with her.
While I was familiar with the concept of cioccolata calda, I wasn’t sure about the details. It seemed to be a drink of chocolate, milk, and a thickener of some sort, and a quick google survey showed me I was right. Italian hot chocolate turns out to be quite simple! Bittersweet (or at least semisweet) chocolate, half and half, a little cornstarch, and some sugar if you need it.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups half and half or whole milk
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar and more if needed
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 1/2 tsp cornstarch
• 3.5 oz dark chocolate: semisweet or bittersweet, finely chopped
• toppings: powdered cinnamon, whipped cream

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, heat 1 1/4 cups of half and half (reserve the remaining 1/4 cup) with the sugar and cinnamon stick on medium heat. Stir occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved and the milk is starting to bubble, 7-8 minutes.
2. Mix the reserved half and half with the cornstarch until smooth. Add the slurry to the bubbling half and half. Bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking constantly and simmer for 1 minute.
3. ..................................

for full instruction please see : www.justalittlebitofbacon.com

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