Spanitalian Hot Chocolate
My previously subdued love of hot chocolate was awakened on my last trip to Melbourne when I discovered the molten chocolate joy that is Italian Hot Chocolate at L'aperitivo's in Elsternwick. Since then I've been trying to track down one in Perth (with no luck yet) or to find the chocolate mix that cafes use to make it (no luck there either).
My Dad did some researching on Google the other week and found a recipe for Spanish hot chocolate which sounded close enough to warrant some experiments. This tracks with things I've been hearing about the thick hot chocolate that's served up with doughnut-style things called churros that's reportedly worth the cross-world trek to a market in Spain. (Google for info)
We've tried making it once before with reasonably good results, so we gave it another go last night as a birthday dessert. It works pretty well, though getting the not-quite-set consistency right is hit and miss.
Anyway, on with the recipe...
Spanish/Italian Thick Hot Chocolate
Ingredients (per small cup serve)
9g cocoa
34g sugar
5g cornflour
20mL water
170mL milk
- Mix sugar and cocoa together (I used some nice Italian bitter cocoa that Rach and Steve brought back for me).
- Dissolve the cornflour in the water by stirring, then mix it with the sugar/cocoa to form a disgustingly good looking brown goo.
- Heat the goo in a saucepan over a low-medium heat, always stirring with a whisk. Slowly add the milk to the mixture, and keep stirring.
- Bring the mix to a simmer and keep stirring, but slow it down a bit so you're only stirring occasionally.
- Once it's a thick, glossy molten liquid you're ready! It'll look like a thick chocolate pudding that's not quite set.
- Pour it into cups, grab a spoon and dig in.
(Originally from worldwideschool.org)
Posted on Thursday, June 16, 2005 and filed under Life.
Comments
there's a French Patisserie just down the road from the Queens called La Tarte that had a sign out the front saying "Authentic European style Hot Chocolate"
Might be worth checking out? There's a Nando's just next door!
Posted by: mik on June 16, 2005
Is there a website of your work/photography somewhere? (Apart from this one, of course)
Posted by: G. on June 19, 2005
Having been to Italy earlier in the year I can confirm that Italian hot chocolate is freaking good. I think that the packet mix stuff we attempted to smuggle out is just over-glorified cocoa. I shall have to try this recipe though...
Posted by: Steve on June 21, 2005
Ahhh, but amazingly good cocoa it was nonetheless...
Posted by: Si on June 21, 2005
It is caming to Sydney.Prodact name is Swissway Hot Chocolate.Info at sales@swissway.com.au
Posted by: Kiki on August 23, 2005
www.swissway.com.au
Posted by: Kiki on September 17, 2005
Just found your website whilst in search of the packet mix Italian hot chocolate - thanks for the recipe!
Just thought I would let you know a product that is used and sold in italy is 'Cameo' Ciobar Gusto Classico - You can find dark, white & milk hot chocolate mixes in Italy and on the website (www.cameo.it) still searching for where to find it here - Will let you know should I have any luck!
Hope this helps,
Belinda
Posted by: Belinda Smart on June 27, 2006
I recently went to Good Food and wine Show at Melbourne and tried some over there
And it was amazingly good. They even had it in deferent flavors. Company name was swissway. I had a look at their website and looks like that you are going to be able to order some online very soon. Try visiting www.swissway.com.au
Posted by: amanda on June 30, 2006
My wife and I found a place on Rockeby Road in Subiaco that sells a good Italian hot chocolate. The shop is a gelateria with chrome finishings on the counters, but I don't know the name of the shop. It is on the same side as Jackson's heading towards the train station. For a good cup make sure that the old lady makes it for you, she knows how to make it properly and is often there on Saturday mornings. You could also try Re-Store in Northbridge which sells a box with five packets of hot chocolate mix inside for around $6.05. Thanks for the recipe, we'll be trying it.
Posted by: Sean on July 14, 2006
When I studied in Italian I asked a barista how she did it. Now, she was also american but had been there for about a year and she still made a really good hot chocolate, just like the italian baristas. Using the steam wand of an espresso machine she steamed the milk, mixed in the packet, and then steamed it again on a low setting to thicken it. I've tried to replicate this with no luck, but perhaps you can give it a shot! Buon appetito!
Posted by: Stephanie Smith on September 25, 2006
Why is such a simple thing so hard to get?? My friend brings me back the packets from Vience- but I cant find how to buy the mix online - I will buy it by the case if I could just find someone to sell it to me!!
Any ideas?
Posted by: V RIley on October 4, 2006
The chocolate powder that is used in making this in Italy is called "Musetti Ciok"
Posted by: Alex Stathopoulos on October 24, 2006
I just had the most amazing thick hot chocolate at "sugar dough" bakery on Lygon st brunswick (melb.) it is very like the chocolate and churros i ate in spain. also delightful. I'm now addicted so will have to try your recipe. I imagine that using top notch cocoa is a must.
Posted by: adrianne on October 25, 2006
Hi, I`ve been searching for somewhere to buy this as I tried the recipes on the net and it was a disaster ! I`ll be ordering tonight! Here`s hoping ...... http://shafiqshafi.tripod.com/index.html
Posted by: Lesley Irving on November 7, 2006
yup I discovered this hot chocolate in italy a few years ago - orgasmic drink! The cameo "ciobar" drink that Belinda spoke about is the good stuff. Can also get it at Cafe Brunetti on Faraday street, Carlton, Melb. You can buy the camoe packet mix at wine bar/ deli just up the road cnr Faraday & Lygon st $5.95 for pack of 5. Will give this recipe a go thanks
Posted by: Ashlee on March 12, 2007
Hi everyone, if you are looking for thick Italian hot chocolate, look no further.
Fraus European hot chocolate are the largest suppliers of Italian hot chocolate in Australia, and have over 40 flavours of thick Rich, imported hot chocolate.
Our website is www.fraus.com.au.
Enjoy
Posted by: Marco Marciano on May 7, 2007
Thanks Marco. We visited Fraus Cafe last week and were relieved to find beautiful italian style hot chocolate.so many delicious flavours and fantastic crepes! Highly reccommended to all of you hot chocolate lovers!!!
Posted by: ashlee on May 27, 2007
You can get cameo hot chocoate sachets from the RE Store in Leederville, Having some now and it is to die for!!!!!!!!
Posted by: nollie on June 13, 2007
Just continuing. Does anyone know where to get the Ciobar chocolate wholesale so I can serve it in my cafe??
Posted by: Marco on September 17, 2007
The Fraus Hot Chocolate is soooo like the "Chocolata Caldo" in Italy. I had it in Rimini while there last year.
You can get it at L'Aperitivo in Glenhuntly Road Elsternwick. They have the Classic and the Hazelnut by the cup. It is very popular. They also do Chocolate Crepes on their dessert menu using the mixture.
Try it out.
Posted by: Sue on September 24, 2007
Perfecto! Just like in Italy! Thank you so much for such a beautiful, easy recipe. I can now show my boyfriend what all the fuss is about.
Posted by: Daniella on October 7, 2007
Thanks for the recipe... It is pretty similar to one that I've used in the past (was actually looking to see if anywhere in my local area served it when I found your site)
Don't know about Perth, and obviously Melbourne has some great places for Italian hot chocolate, but those of you who visit Canberra can go to Pangaea in Manuka (opposite Belucci's, in the Greater Union building).
Or for those in Adelaide or Brisbane, you can go to Cibo [http://www.ciboespresso.com.au] where you order the Cioccolata Italiana... There are heaps of Cibo cafes in South Australia, and about 4 around Brisbane.
If you're still after the mix version, a mix that my mother uses is simply called "Cioccolate" and is made by "Naturera". She buys it from RIO coffee importers, Nelson Street in Stepney, Adelaide, but most Coffee Importers should have a version.
Posted by: Marc on December 24, 2007
hey for people in brisbane there is a restaurant at garden city that sells it and its really worth going and trying!
Posted by: kaitlyn on February 7, 2008
Where can I get this Swissway chocolate mix in the USA? Thanks, Benita
Posted by: Benita Smith on November 10, 2008
