Hot chocolate renaissance: Embracing spices for winter delight
Winter favourites like tea, cocoa, or milk with honey now face a worthy rival—hot chocolate, a drink that naturally aligns with the chilly Canadian weather. To make your cold days more enjoyable, create the best version of this treat with a spice you likely have in your kitchen all year round.
As the winter days grow colder, nothing warms you up like a cup of hot chocolate. This drink enriches the long, cold months with its rich, creamy taste. While variations abound, certain elements make some versions particularly special.
The history and preparation of hot chocolate
Hot chocolate is a must-have on winter evenings, celebrated for its velvety texture and rich flavour. Its origins trace back to the Mayans and Aztecs, who drank a version known as "xocolatl." It arrived in Europe during the 16th century, where it became a symbol of luxury. Today, with the right ingredients, it can be both delicious and nutritious. Culinary stars often reach for this drink. For instance, hot chocolate according to Nigella Lawson is considered the perfect dessert for romantic occasions. The key is choosing dark chocolate with a high cocoa content, which ensures a creamy texture. Adding rum and cinnamon can further enhance its sophisticated taste.
Choose good ingredients
If you're not a fan of chocolate by itself, even the best hot chocolate might not appeal to you. Pick chocolate you enjoy as a treat. When combined with milk, it becomes a perfect drink. If you select dessert or dark chocolate, add a bit of brown sugar to sweeten it. However, most people will likely point to classic milk chocolate. To counterbalance its velvety and milky sweetness, add a small pinch of cinnamon to the drink. For a more adventurous twist, you could swap it with espresso (for an adult version) or sea salt (for unconventional flavour lovers). Nonetheless, cinnamon is the simplest way to enhance and balance the taste with cocoa. When choosing hot chocolate in the city, consider the quality of the ingredients. High-quality chocolate should be velvety and creamy, not watery.
Preparing hot chocolate at home is straightforward and invites creativity. You can add various ingredients, such as cinnamon, chili, or vanilla, to enrich the flavour. Consider using real cocoa and plant-based milk to make the drink healthier and lower in calories. Options featuring additional spices or fruits offer unique taste experiences.
