Cioccolata Calda {Hot Chocolate}

December22

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Ah, just the thought of Cioccolata Calda sends me into a frenzy! Chi-o-co-la-ta Call-da is Italian for Hot Chocolate. I’m going to attempt to describe this to those of you who have not experienced an authentic Italian Hot Chocolate. Which, btw is the BEST hot chocolate in the entire world. Don’t even try to change my mind. It simply is. If you’ve had it, you KNOW! Can I get an Amen?

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This IS NOT Swiss Miss hot chocolate (which btw is NOT hot chocolate). Not by a long shot. Italian Cioccolata Calda Is a cup of thick, delicious, creamy, pudding like consistency, hot chocolaty goodness! Just wait, you’ll see…It’s so thick it will stick to the sides of your cup (see that photo? normally that would freak me out having that on the sides of the cup in a regular photo but I wanted to show you how THICK indeed this is) You’re not going to be able to drink a HUGE mug of this so don’t even try. Trust me. It’s great with a dollop of fresh whipped cream (I just didn’t have any in the house otherwise, there’d be some in that cup ; )

Every time I’m in Italy I HAVE to have a cup of this. I don’t care what the season I’m having it. Like gelato I’m eating that when it’s cold as well. But that’s another story.

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Just so you’re not surprised when you taste this, Italians don’t typically have the sweet tooth that Americans do so this might not be as “sweet” as you’d like it to be. But it’s the way it’s supposed to be so resist the urge to add more sugar. Please be sure to use a good quality chocolate. The best you can find. The higher the cacao % the better. Just sayin’

Baci e’ Buone Feste!
signature

What you’ll need:
100g of Good Quality Bittersweet Chocolate 70% or higher
1 1/2 cups of Whole Milk
2 tbsp sugar
2 tsp of Corn Starch

What to do:
Into a saucepan over LOW heat add your chocolate & a smidge of the milk & stir with a wooden spoon until melted. SLOWLY add in the milk until it’s well combined. Add in the sugar, mix well & then whisk in the corn starch. Continue cooking over LOW heat until it becomes thick & creamy & coats the back of the wooden spoon.

Optional: You can top with fresh whipped cream, a dash of cinnamon or even a dash of chili powder (if you’re adventurous)

Buon Appetito!

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posted under All Recipes, Drinks, Vegetarian
45 Comments to

“Cioccolata Calda {Hot Chocolate}”

  1. On December 22nd, 2009 at Heather Says:

    Goodness. That looks like warm chocolate syrup. Drinking syrup. Yummy tummy warming and mind blowing chocolate syrup. That thud you just heard was me. Fainting.

  2. On December 22nd, 2009 at Paula Says:

    Thanks Heather! I think I like your description better ! I’m stealing it ; ) tee hee

  3. On December 22nd, 2009 at Mylynka Says:

    Ho-leeee Cows! Paula I love, love, LOVE this drink and have never know how to make it! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

    I cannot wait to try this while I am on break from school.

  4. On December 23rd, 2009 at Fuji Mama Says:

    Oh goodness, you speak my language!! I. Love. My. Chocolate. Especially if it’s not sicky sweet like Americans like it. Blech. I HAVE to try this!!!! XOXO You’re the best!

  5. On December 23rd, 2009 at Memoria Says:

    Wow. Wow. Just wow. This looks fantastic.

  6. On December 23rd, 2009 at Laura from Ciao Amalfi Says:

    AMEN!! :-)

  7. On December 23rd, 2009 at Tweets that mention bell’ alimento » Cioccolata Calda {Hot Chocolate} -- Topsy.com Says:

    [...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Rachael, CocoaConnoisseur. CocoaConnoisseur said: Italian Cioccolata Calda {Hot Chocolate} http://www.bellalimento.com/2009/12/22/cioccolata-calda-hot-chocolate/ [...]

  8. On December 23rd, 2009 at SecondCitySoireeJen Says:

    This looks heavenly, Paula. Totally agree that Swiss Miss, et al is not real hot chocolate! If you’re ever in Chicago, there’s a restaurant (appropriately called Hot Chocolate) that does real hot chocolate. I’ve never been to Italy so I can’t comment on how it compares to Cioccolata Calda, but it is quite fabulous!

  9. On December 23rd, 2009 at SusanD Says:

    I see it as a rich dark luscious velvety pool of instant nirvana. All prayers are answered upon first sip!!! Miraculous!

  10. On December 23rd, 2009 at Paula Says:

    Ciao Mylynka! Di’ niente ; ) Yes, I’m CRAZY about it too! Just remember to get the BEST chocolate, it will make a difference! Baci’ e’ Buone Feste!

  11. On December 23rd, 2009 at Paula Says:

    Ciao Rachael! I knew I liked you ; ) I know, I had to note that it wasn’t going to be as “sweet” as people might imagine, but that’s the way it’s supposed to be. I seriously can’t get enough of Cioccolata Calda. It’s a smile in a cup!

  12. On December 23rd, 2009 at Paula Says:

    Grazie’ Memoria! I hope you give it a try!

  13. On December 23rd, 2009 at Paula Says:

    Ehila’ Laura! Sto ridendo! Grazie bella! Baci’ e’ Buone Feste!

  14. On December 23rd, 2009 at Paula Says:

    Hi Jen! Thanks so much! You know, I’ve never actually been to Chicago! It’s someplace I do want to get to & when I do, I’ll definitely have to try it! I’m sure it’s delicious!

  15. On December 23rd, 2009 at Paula Says:

    Ciao Susan! WOW, I’m liking that description too! Y’all are good!

  16. On December 23rd, 2009 at The Food Hunter Says:

    Wish I had a cup of this right now.

  17. On December 23rd, 2009 at Mylynka Says:

    Oh I am all about the BEST chocolate! I am thinking Valhrona or Scharffenberger! Which are two of my splurge-faves. I use Valhrona for the groom’s cakes when I do weddings… mmmmmmmmmm

    I want this now! ;)

  18. On December 23rd, 2009 at Deborah Says:

    Oh my Paula…..that looks exactly like what we had in Venice! I can’t wait to try it out on Michael! Thanks so much for sharing this!

  19. On December 23rd, 2009 at kiss my spatula Says:

    i’m so thirsty now…how perfect!! happy holidays!

  20. On December 23rd, 2009 at Susan Says:

    Thanks for posting this recipe, Paula! I get a cup every morning when we are in Italy, and stroll around drinking it as we sightsee. SO delicious! There is even a picture of me in Rome, in front of a fountain, drinking it, and even from a distance you can see it sticking to the cup!!

    Thanks again, And Buon Natale!

  21. On December 24th, 2009 at Karine Says:

    Wowow this sounds amazing! I love the fact that it is very thick :)

  22. On December 24th, 2009 at Amy B.- Portland, OR Says:

    Buon Natale Paula! mmmm……

  23. On December 26th, 2009 at Paula Says:

    Thanks Theresa! I LOVE this stuff!

  24. On December 26th, 2009 at Paula Says:

    YUM Mylynka!

  25. On December 26th, 2009 at Paula Says:

    Thanks Deborah! I hope you guys love it!

  26. On December 26th, 2009 at Paula Says:

    Thanks bunches Ms. Kiss my Spatula! Merry Christmas!

  27. On December 26th, 2009 at Paula Says:

    Grazie Susan! There’s just simply nothing like it! The thicker the bettah! Buon Natale a te!

  28. On December 26th, 2009 at Paula Says:

    Thanks Karine! Hope you give it a go!

  29. On December 26th, 2009 at Paula Says:

    Grazie Amy! Auguri!

  30. On December 26th, 2009 at Dina Says:

    wonderful wonderful recipe! i’ve been looking for a hot cocoa recipe using real chocolate. is this just for one serving?

  31. On December 26th, 2009 at Paula Says:

    Thanks Dina! This will actually make 4 small cups of Cioccolata Calda. It’s really thick & decadent!

  32. On December 27th, 2009 at Chocolaty Weekend Links : Chocolate Bytes - All About Chocolate – Delicious Chocolate Recipes Says:

    [...] Italian Style Hot Chocolate at bell’ [...]

  33. On December 28th, 2009 at deana Says:

    So simple so good… mmmm!

  34. On January 1st, 2010 at romy Says:

    i did it today and it tasted really good!
    thanks :)

  35. On January 1st, 2010 at Paula Says:

    Thanks Deana! Yes, simple is so good : )

  36. On January 1st, 2010 at Paula Says:

    Yay Romy! So glad you liked it! There really is nothing like a good authentic cup of hot chocolate!

  37. On January 1st, 2010 at Justine Says:

    my father, who was from Spain, used to make me this when I was a child … thanks for bringing me some wonderful memories!

  38. On January 3rd, 2010 at Audra Says:

    I added a little Bailey’s to mine - yummmmmmm!

  39. On January 3rd, 2010 at Paula Says:

    Ah, you’re quite welcome Justine! Glad I could bring back some warm memories : ) Happy New Year!

  40. On January 3rd, 2010 at Paula Says:

    Now Audra, that’s a great idea!

  41. On January 5th, 2010 at Venera Says:

    Grazie Paula. Actually, I have never tried adding the cornstarch; so mine has not come out as thick as yours. I will try making it your way….maybe I won’t drink as much (smile)!

    Buon Capodanno

    Venera

  42. On February 4th, 2010 at Samantha (Australia) Says:

    I too had this similar hot chocolate, a very,very long time ago (over 19 years) at someone’s funeral (God Bless his soul), and I have never forgotten the taste of it. I will go home tonight and make it for my kids. Thank you.

  43. On February 10th, 2010 at Elisabeth Says:

    I will say “Amen” to this indeed. I will always remember those mornings in Italy at hostels where they only give you a choice of coffee or hot chocolate. Me, being the American, asked nicely if they had any orange juice, and of course I got a weird look and they repeated the options. Oh, glorious glorious cup of deliciousness. I’ve been trying to recapture that experience and of course your recipe is indeed close. I’ve used arrowroot also, with half ‘n half (ooh, isn’t that terrible ;) Now only if you could bring me Italia back too…

  44. On May 16th, 2010 at rita Says:

    hi! i just found your blog looking for, specifically, a good recipe for Cioccolata Calda. we’re americans, now living in Germany - visit Italy, at least, 3-4 times a year. in fact, we’ll be there next week! i fully understand the love you have for Italy. we feel the same way.

    anyhoodles, thanks so much for sharing this recipe. i just made this - yes, this is as authentic as it can get. grazie mille e buona giornata!

  45. On July 9th, 2010 at Dee Says:

    I’ve been looking for the right recipe for this and yours was spot on, perfect!

    Thankyou so much, you’ve made my day!

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