Spanish Style Rich Chocolate Drink
Indulge in the luxurious taste of Spanish Style Rich Chocolate Drink, a traditional beverage that has its roots in the early days of the Spanish Conquest. This decadent drink, often enjoyed as a dessert or a warming treat, features a velvety texture achieved through the careful blending of high-quality semisweet chocolate and milk, thickened with just the right amount of cornstarch for that magnificent richness. Enhanced with a hint of coffee, this delightful drink is perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you're in need of a comforting moment. Gather around with friends and family, and experience a piece of Spanish culinary history in every sip.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Semisweet chocolate, grated
10-12 ounces (grated or use semisweet chocolate chips)
Milk
2 1/4 cups (none)
Cornstarch
1/2-1 teaspoon (dissolved in a little cold water)
Instant coffee
1/2 teaspoon (optional) (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by finely grating the semisweet chocolate and set it aside.
2
In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over low to medium heat, stirring gently until it begins to warm up.
3
Add the grated chocolate to the warm milk and stir continuously, allowing the chocolate to melt completely. If you choose to use instant coffee, mix it in at this stage to deepen the flavor.
4
Once the mixture is smooth and the chocolate is fully melted, bring it to a gentle simmer. It's essential to keep a close watch to prevent boiling over.
5
In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in a few tablespoons of cold water and mix until smooth. Gradually add the cornstarch mixture to the chocolate and milk blend while whisking continuously.
6
Increase the heat slightly, allowing the mixture to come back to a boil. Remove the saucepan from heat as soon as it bubbles, whisking vigorously. Repeat this process two more times to achieve the desired thickness.
7
Once ready, ladle the rich chocolate into cups from a height, which will create a beautiful frothy top.
8
Serve immediately and savor the warmth and richness!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Spanish Style Rich Chocolate Drink?
It is a luxurious and traditional beverage with roots in the early days of the Spanish Conquest, known for its velvety texture and rich flavor.
How is the thick texture of this drink achieved?
The thickness is achieved by blending high-quality semisweet chocolate with milk and thickening it with a cornstarch slurry.
What type of chocolate should I use for this recipe?
You should use 10-12 ounces of high-quality semisweet chocolate, either finely grated or in the form of chocolate chips.
Can I use chocolate chips instead of grated chocolate?
Yes, the recipe specifies that you can use semisweet chocolate chips as an alternative to grated chocolate.
How much milk is required for this chocolate drink?
The recipe requires 2 1/4 cups of milk.
Why is cornstarch used in this recipe?
Cornstarch is used as a thickening agent to give the drink its magnificent richness and velvet-like consistency.
How do I prepare the cornstarch before adding it?
Dissolve 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of cornstarch in a few tablespoons of cold water and mix until smooth before adding it to the chocolate mixture.
Is the instant coffee mandatory?
No, the 1/2 teaspoon of instant coffee is optional, but it is recommended to deepen the overall flavor of the drink.
At what temperature should I heat the milk?
The milk should be heated over low to medium heat until it begins to warm up.
When do I add the chocolate to the milk?
Add the grated chocolate or chips to the milk once it is warm and stir continuously until it is completely melted.
What is the key to preventing the drink from boiling over?
Keep a close watch on the saucepan and stir gently as the mixture comes to a simmer to ensure it does not boil over.
When should the instant coffee be added?
If you are using instant coffee, mix it in while the chocolate is melting into the warm milk.
How do I incorporate the cornstarch slurry into the mixture?
Gradually add the cornstarch mixture to the chocolate and milk blend while whisking continuously to ensure a smooth texture.
What is the unique boiling process for this recipe?
Once the cornstarch is added, bring the mixture to a boil and remove it from the heat as soon as it bubbles, whisking vigorously; repeat this two more times.
Why do I need to remove the saucepan from the heat three times?
Repeating the process of boiling and whisking three times helps achieve the specific desired thickness characteristic of Spanish chocolate.
How do I create a frothy top on the chocolate?
Ladle the rich chocolate into cups from a height to create a beautiful and traditional frothy top.
Should this drink be served hot or cold?
It should be served immediately while warm to best experience the richness and comforting heat.
Is this drink considered a dessert?
Yes, because of its decadent nature and thick consistency, it is often enjoyed as a dessert or a special treat.
What are the primary flavor notes of this beverage?
The primary flavor is intense semisweet chocolate, potentially enhanced by the subtle, deep notes of coffee.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe consists of 4 ingredients: semisweet chocolate, milk, cornstarch, and optional instant coffee.
Is this a good recipe for winter months?
Absolutely, it is described as a perfect comforting treat for chilly evenings.
What tools do I need to make this drink?
You will need a grater (if using bar chocolate), a medium saucepan, a whisk, a small bowl for the slurry, and a ladle.
How do I ensure the chocolate is fully melted?
Stir continuously while the chocolate is in the warm milk until the mixture is completely smooth.
Can I adjust the thickness of the drink?
Yes, you can use between 1/2 and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch depending on how thick you prefer your chocolate.
What should I do if the mixture is too thick?
You can whisk in a small amount of extra milk to reach your desired consistency.
Can I make this for a group of people?
Yes, the recipe is perfect for gathering friends and family to share a piece of culinary history.
Does this recipe use any cocoa powder?
No, this specific recipe relies on melted semisweet chocolate for its rich flavor and texture.
What category of recipe is this?
It is categorized as a hot chocolate or rich dessert beverage.
How much coffee should I add for flavor enhancement?
The recipe suggests adding 1/2 teaspoon of instant coffee.
What is the historical significance of this drink?
It represents a piece of Spanish culinary history, dating back to the early days of the Spanish Conquest.