Lex’s Italian Hot Chocolate
December 3, 2010 4:32 pmMy sister went to Italy and came back telling me about their hot chocolate. She said it was thick and creamy and for whatever reason it completely enchanted me. So 7 years ago I researched Italian Hot Chocolate. I’ve finally perfected it after all this time and to not share it with you would be a crime. You’ll become famous for it. It’s one of those things you’ll think about year round and it will perplex people. It’s that good. Trust me on this one. Go make it tonight.
Pour 8 teaspoons of corn starch in a pot.
Pour in 1/2 c. of cocoa powder.
Pour 1/2 c. water into the pot and turn the heat onto medium.
Add 3/4 c. sugar.
Mix well with a wisk.
Add 4 c. of milk.
Now, this is amazing as is. But I’ve added a couple touches that take it over the top.
Add a dash of cinnamon. You don’t want ti to be too cinnamon-y. So just a dash.
Now add a dash of hot pepper. Trust me here. It will add a little heat, not spicey with just a dash. Don’t leave it out. Just go with me…
Now keep it stirring. It will begin to thicken as you stir. You want somewhere between hot chocolate and pudding. When it’s done, pour it in a cup.
For those of age, feel free to add a little extra something…
Now it’s time to top this baby off. Add some homemade whipped cream.
Now I’ve adapted this idea from Starbucks. They are good for something. Sorry. I know I’ve offended almost all of you by now. Pour a little caramel on top. You can use homemade or store bought.
Now for our final step- a small little supply of fleur de sel salt. Don’t try table salt, regular sea salt or kosher. You need it to be little rocks. I’ve bombed by using the other salts.
This will be your new favorite. It’s thick and creamy and you’ll get little tastes of the salty caramel the whole way down to the bottom.
Now go make it and come back and tell me how much you love it. It’s a great dessert treat and we love it with roasted chestnuts!
Tags: italian hot chocolate, recipe
Posted in home, other | 28 Comments »
By Troy on Dec 3, 2010 | Reply
That looks amazing. I’m a big fan of the starbucks salted caramel. I must try to replicate.
By Donya on Dec 3, 2010 | Reply
Deliciosa. Definitely making this for my holiday party. Thanks!
By Nikki on Dec 3, 2010 | Reply
Wow! I am drooling! I will have to try this one. Thanks so much for the recipe!!
By Abra on Dec 3, 2010 | Reply
I feel completely lame for finally commenting for the first time and it is about a drink. what can i say, i am a lover of chocolate. and this recipe sounds amazing. but i just don’t think i can do the hot sauce. i will be trying this so so soon. gotta go get the good salt and caramel first though! thanks for sharing.
p.s. i think you are so super talented!
By Alexis on Dec 3, 2010 | Reply
I know the reservations about the red cayenne. But seriously, it’s AMAZING! It just makes the warmth of the drink linger in your mouth, It’s not spicy at all!
By Pascale on Dec 3, 2010 | Reply
this looks amazing!!! WILL TRY!!
By linnea-maria on Dec 4, 2010 | Reply
It sounds just so tasty. got to try it! yummy! /Therese
By Laura on Dec 4, 2010 | Reply
Oh my goodness. After college, one of my best friends and I went to Italy, and we too came home batty for their hot chocolate. In the years since, have never seen *anything* come close…until now. Thank you so, so much, Lex. I cannot wait to try this out.
By Patti Rogers on Dec 4, 2010 | Reply
Oh my heavens! I live out of town but this girl is gettin’ back in her car (just got home from store) and going and getting the fixins. Who knows, just many become my new signature drink for the holidays. I have an idea to add a change up already but oh this sounds so amazing. I just need my big sis here to drink it with me! You are an angel for sharing. And you are filled to the brim with your sewing talents! GOd bless you dear one.
By Kristen on Dec 4, 2010 | Reply
I literally read this and walked straight into my kitchen to make some! Oh my gosh! It is delicious! And you are 1000% right about the cayenne. It’s no spicy just enhances the flavors. Thank you so much for sharing!!!!!
By Mary on Dec 4, 2010 | Reply
This looks incredible. I know what I am having for dessert tonight. Thank you!
By Suzanne on Dec 4, 2010 | Reply
Oh my word. That caramel just put it over the top. I agree, cayenne is wonderful for cocoa!
I make homemade marshmallows every year and we love to pour the fresh creme on homemade cocoa. Mmmm.
By Admitted Fabricaholic on Dec 5, 2010 | Reply
Oh my God, I am drooling…and my Swiss Miss in the cupboard isn’t going to cut it!
By Jacinta @ modelmumma on Dec 5, 2010 | Reply
This looks so delicious… thanks for sharing.
And I love the little girl ruffle skirts too…that fabric is awesome.
MODELmumma
By Heidi on Dec 6, 2010 | Reply
This looks and sounds amazing! Salted caramel is sooo good and hot chocolate sounds fantastic right now…too bad I don’t have half of the ingredients! (I can’t believe I’m admitting that I don’t have cocoa right now!)
By Mauri on Dec 6, 2010 | Reply
Grazie! Everytime my husband and I have gone to Italy I have to have hot chocolate with about every meal. It is that good. It tastes like a melted chocolate bar in a cup. Thanks for the recipe, I am definitely going to try this! I will love sipping it as I snuggle up inside looking out at the snow.
By Andrea on Dec 6, 2010 | Reply
Looks so good. I only make hot chocolate with a chocolate bar but maybe I’ll try this!
By Morgan @ PepperDesignBlog.com on Dec 7, 2010 | Reply
I am a hot-chocolate-lover and this looks AMAZING!! I’m making some. Right now if I have the ingredients.
By Erica on Dec 7, 2010 | Reply
Have you ever tried making this and putting it in a crock pot to take somewhere? Would it thicken up too much?
By Alexis on Dec 7, 2010 | Reply
No! That’s a great idea, though. I’ve got a couple basic crockpot recipes and that’s about it so I’m not too savvy on it. But I might try that!
By Jessica on Dec 7, 2010 | Reply
Made this tonight lex. I quartered the recipe to make just enough for myself because I KNEW I’d drink the whole pot right then! It is SOOO incredibly delicious! I am going to make a big carafe to take on our holiday light hayride/tour through a really well decorated neighborhood. It isn’t real cold here yet (actually it was almost 80 degrees today) but I am in the holiday spirit!
Thanks for sharing!
Love and Hugs, Jess
By Erica on Dec 7, 2010 | Reply
Well, if I end up doing so next week I’ll let you know if it works out alright or not!
By maleahbliss on Dec 14, 2010 | Reply
I’m totally trying this. I love thick hot chocolate, so this sounds awesome!!!
Thanks for sharing!
By Leslie on Feb 5, 2011 | Reply
Made this, this morning. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to have ANY other hot chocolate without comparing it to this one! Thanks for sharing! P.S. I added vanilla bean and the pod,used skim milk and instead of sugar, I used the SPLENDA blend sugar and it came out FANTABULOUS!
By Janine on Mar 7, 2011 | Reply
You forgot the nutmeg!
By Joy on Oct 27, 2011 | Reply
Where do I find salt like this? Can’t wait any longer to make this!!
By Sandee on Oct 29, 2011 | Reply
How do you make your cream whip and your carmel???
By Sharon on Feb 29, 2012 | Reply
I have just recently come across your website and find it fascinating. I don’t know where you get your ideas but I love them and am going to be able to learn from many of them. I’m also delighted with many of your recipes. I love the Hot chocolate for myself but I was wondering if it could be made using lactose free milk for my friend. Have you heard from anyone who has tried it.