European-style hot chocolate is a real treat.
European-style hot chocolate means using melted chocolate and water to make the drink, rather than cocoa powder and milk. The favored form of chocolate is coin-shaped pistoles of chocolate, which contain a high percentage of pure chocolate and melt easily. Pistoles are widely available from on- and off-line speciality food stores. The resulting hot chocolate is a rich drink that concentrates on the flavor of good quality chocolate in liquid form. Many versions of European-style hot chocolate also include spicy flavorings such as cayenne pepper or chili powder, while others may also include an alcoholic spirit. The choice is yours -- make one batch of basic European-style hot chocolate first and then decide if you want to jazz up later batches with some added extras.
Instructions
1. Put the chocolate pistoles in a saucepan and add the boiling water, keeping the saucepan on a medium heat.
2. Use a hand whisk to gently stir the pistoles and water mixture until the pistoles have melted.
3. Add any extras. If you want to add any additional flavors to your hot chocolate, now is the time to do it. For example, add in half a teaspoon of cardamom, grated nutmeg, cinnamon, cayenne pepper or chili powder. If you want to add some alcohol, add an ounce of whiskey or brandy.
4. Mix the contents with an immersion blender to combine the ingredients and make it frothy.
5. Serve the hot chocolate.
Tags: European-style chocolate, also include, cayenne pepper, cayenne pepper chili, chili powder
