The weather is getting chillier and chillier by the day. It’s the season when we once again take our thick coats out of the closet, prep the fireplace at home, and check if the heating system at home is still working.
But apart from all those things, there is another good thing about the cold weather.
Any guess?
Of course, it’s the liberty of indulging yourself in a good sip of hot chocolate.
Just imagine yourself sitting on your porch and on your table is a steaming hot cup of chocolate.
Soothing, right?
Well if that’s the case then you might as well continue reading this article because we’re about to feature a chocolate recipe from the YouTube channel ‘Kitchen on the Cliff with Giovanna.’
However, this one is not the traditional American hot chocolate but the Italian version instead.
Why Italian? It’s simply because Giovanna is originally from Italy and moved to the United States at a very young age.
Who exactly is Giovanna?
She is not your ordinary content creator on YouTube who just loves sharing her recipes.
Giovanna Bellia La Marca hails from Ragusa, Sicily and she started her American journey at the age of 10. Her enduring passion for her homeland finds expression through frequent visits.
Following a fulfilling 20-year career as an art and Italian teacher, she transitioned into a new chapter of her life.
Today, Giovanna shares her culinary expertise by teaching cooking classes at the Institute of Culinary Education in bustling New York City.
Additionally, she leads captivating culinary tours through the vibrant streets of Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. Her pursuits extend to the realms of writing, gastronomy, hospitality, and exploring the world alongside her cherished family.
La Marca’s literary contributions include “Language and Travel Guide to Sicily” and “The Cooking of Emilia-Romagna,” both proudly published by Hippocrene Books. She currently resides in the charming Cliffside Park, New Jersey.
Giovanna promises to keep Sicilian recipes alive.
For those people (like myself) who don’t know what Sicilian cuisine is, it’s influenced by Greek, Spanish, French, Jewish, and Arab flavors alongside its Italian roots, and has evolved over millennia.
Dating back to the 5th century BC, Sicilian cook Mithaecus was one of the earliest cookbook authors, shaping the culinary traditions.
Greek colonization introduced seafood, wheat, and olives, while Arabs contributed sugar, citrus, and spices. Norman influences favored meat, and the Jewish community brought garlic into olive oil.
Spanish rule added New World ingredients. Sicilian cuisine spotlights fresh vegetables, fish, and in Trapani, North African-inspired couscous.
Giovanna said in the video that Italian hot chocolate is the “ultimate comfort food” and “a bowl full of heaven.” According to her, it is thick, soft, sweet, hot, and absolutely delicious.
You don’t need to have a fancy kitchen to make this.
To make the hot chocolate, you’ll need:
- 2 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 3-4 tbsp cocoa
- 3.5 oz chocolate (crushed)
You may adjust the measurement of each ingredient according to your taste preferences and desired thickness. Making it is no rocket science, as long as you know how to mix properly then you are good to go.
Step 1: Prepare a slurry by adding milk to the cornstarch, and combine ingredients using a hand mixer.
Make sure to mix them thoroughly and strictly, there should be no lumps. After mixing the milk and cornstarch, add sugar, and a pinch of salt, and mix all ingredients well.
You might think why salt? Salt is a flavor enhancer and it goes well with any recipe.
Step 2: After all that mixing, pour it into the cocoa powder, and yes mix the ingredients again.
Patience and mixing the ingredients well are keys to success.
Step 3: In a huge cooking pot, pour milk and the slurry in, put it under medium fire, and start whisking until the milk comes to a simmer.
Another pro tip from Giovanna, she said simmer starts once bubbles start to appear around the pot’s edge.
Step 4: Once it starts to simmer, add the crushed chocolate, and start whisking.
Make sure the chocolate is completely melted to make the hot chocolate very smooth and thick.
Once done, transfer the hot chocolate into a teapot or any container that can keep its warmth for a long period of time.
Don’t forget to share a cup of this Italian hot chocolate with your friends, family, or special someone.
Get the full hot chocolate recipe in the video below!
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