There is no greater comfort during a cold winter night than a warm mug of hot chocolate. This delicious treat does more than soothe—it can transport you. A pack of Swiss Miss, complete with those tiny little marshmallows, can take you back to your childhood, or one of your travels, in just one sip.
2021 marks the 10th Anniversary of Calgary’s Sweetest Festival! Every February, participating cafés, restaurants, and chocolatiers compete for the coveted titles of YYC’s Best Hot Chocolate, Best Spirited Hot Chocolate, and special Cup That Runneth Over Award. Calgarians can sip a variety of hot cocoas and determine the blend that gets the most love.
To make it a little bit sweeter, a portion of proceeds from each Hot Chocolate sold supports Calgary Meals on Wheels! We are safely coming together to support local businesses while helping to ensure ALL of our neighbours are well-fed. It’s all about community!
Here’s a couple of great hot drinks from around the world that will take your taste buds on a completely different journey: destinations with its own unique hot chocolate recipes and take on this classic beverage.
Colombian Hot Chocolate
From Columbia, here’s a recipe that includes an ingredient unlike anything you’ve had in your hot chocolate—cheese! Stay with me. You will find this sweet and salty combination both surprising and satisfying.
Ingredients:
4 cups skim milk
6 squares of Colombian bitter hot chocolate bar, finely chopped
5 cloves
¼ cup of honey
½ tsp cinnamon
4 ounces of white cheese. Quesito Colombiano if you can find it. Otherwise, fresh mozzarella will work.
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, whisk all the ingredients minus the cheese together over high heat until it comes to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 2-3 minutes while stirring often.
- Cut cheese into quarter inch cubes.
- Divide cheese evenly into four mugs, fill with hot chocolate, and stir until cheese is melted.
Source: Kiku Corner
French Hot Chocolate
Are you a dark chocolate lover? This recipe, from France, is rich and robust, and it will have you running to the nearest bistro to grab a croissant to enjoy it with.
Ingredients:
1 ½ cups whole milk
½ cup of heavy cream
2 tsp powdered sugar
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
Whipped cream
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, whisk milk, cream, and powdered sugar over medium heat until it starts to bubble.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the chocolate.
- Return to the heat and stir until chocolate is fully melted.
- Pour into mugs and serve with whipped cream.
Source: Well Plated by Erin
