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Cinnamon infused thick Italian hot chocolate is a not too sweet take on hot cocoa which is rich and decadent and intensely chocolaty. It's like drinkable bittersweet pudding! | justalittlebitofbacon.com
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Cinnamon Infused Thick Italian Hot Chocolate (Cioccolata Calda)

Cinnamon infused thick Italian hot chocolate is a not too sweet take on hot cocoa which is rich and decadent and intensely chocolaty. It's like drinkable bittersweet pudding!
Course Drinks
Cuisine Italian
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 300kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups half and half or whole milk
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar and more if needed
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 1/2 tsp cornstarch
  • 3.5 oz dark chocolate: semisweet or bittersweet, finely chopped
  • toppings: powdered cinnamon, whipped cream

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan, heat 1 1/4 cups of half and half (reserve the remaining 1/4 cup) with the sugar and cinnamon stick on medium heat. Stir occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved and the milk is starting to bubble, 7-8 minutes.
  • Mix the reserved half and half with the cornstarch until smooth. Add the slurry to the bubbling half and half. Bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking constantly and simmer for 1 minute.
  • Add the chopped chocolate and whisk it into the half and half until it is completely melted and smooth and the hot chocolate is quite hot, 2-3 minutes. Taste and stir in another tablespoon of sugar if needed. Remove the cinnamon stick.
  • Pour the hot chocolate into 4 small cups. Top with whipped cream and powdered cinnamon.

Notes

The nutritional information is an estimate and is included for informational purposes only. Please make your own calculations using your specific ingredients if you need an accurate calorie count.
If you want a spiked version of the drink, add 3-4 ounces of the liqueur or brandy/whiskey of your choice at the very end before you take the hot chocolate off the heat. Let the spiked drink warm briefly (enough to warm the alcohol but not evaporate it), then pour and serve.
Don't leave this on the heat without stirring it frequently! (No walking away!) If you do it may burn or become lumpy.
Italian hot chocolate is all about the chocolate. Use a favorite semisweet or bittersweet eating chocolate. I have used up to 70% cacao bittersweet chocolate.
For a not-so-indulgent treat, I have made this with 2% milk.
My husband tells me that whipped cream is mandatory and my daughter suggests that you stir the whipped cream into the drink.

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcal