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Cozying up with a loved one and spending time together can create warm memories of cold winter days — especially if you're sharing a pot of delicious hot cocoa. This rich and creamy drink is very satisfying and a snap to prepare.
Hot Cocoa
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Yield: 4 cups
4 cups whole milk
1/2 cup unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder, sifted
1/4 cup superfine sugar
1. Place the milk in a medium size heavy-duty saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat.
2. In a small mixing bowl, combine the cocoa powder and sugar. Toss to blend well. Add 4 tablespoons of the hot milk and stir until the mixture forms a paste.
3. Pour the cocoa paste into the hot milk and stir until the mixture is completely smooth. Divide the hot chocolate milk between 4 mugs and serve immediately.
Per serving: Calories 219 (From Fat 86); Fat 10g (Saturated 6g); Cholesterol 33mg; Sodium 122mg; Carbohydrate 29g (Dietary Fiber 3g); Protein 10g.
 | For a flavor twist, add 1/4-teaspoon (or more, to taste) of vanilla extract or almond extract to individual servings. If you like chocolate-mint, stir your cocoa with a candy cane. |
 | When chocolate first made its way to Spain in the early sixteenth century, it was consumed as a beverage. The savory drink was embraced enthusiastically by the rest of Europe about 100 years later and enjoyed great popularity in liquid form for nearly another 100 years. Many chocolate pots and chocolate cups for preparing and serving this delectable beverage were created by several well-known porcelain manufacturers. These items are known as chocolate ware. |
One of the more interesting new developments was the creation of a cup and saucer design called a trembleuse. The cup was designed to fit into the deep, basket-like hollow of a special saucer, which prevented the drinker from spilling the contents. Some of these cups also had two handles, which made them easier to hold while drinking. Some chocolate ware pieces are so highly prized that today they are the highlights of collections in museums in Holland, England, France, and Germany.
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