Delicious French Hot Chocolate Recipe: (Gluten-Free, Gelatin-Free, & Vegetarian)

French Hot Chocolate

French hot chocolate, also known as “chocolat chaud,” is a delicious and comforting beverage that is perfect for cold winter days. Unlike traditional American hot chocolate, which is made with cocoa powder and milk, French hot chocolate is made with real chocolate and heavy cream. This results in a richer, more decadent and indulgent drink that is sure to warm you up on a chilly day.

What is Hot Chocolate?

Hot chocolate has a long history dating back to ancient Mesoamerican civilizations, where it was consumed as a ceremonial beverage made with cocoa beans, water, and spices. The Mayans and Aztecs believed that cocoa beans were a gift from the gods and used them as a form of currency. The cocoa drink they consumed was bitter and spicy and only consumed by the elite and during religious ceremonies. After the Spanish conquest of Mexico, chocolate was brought to Europe where sugar and milk were added to make it more palatable. Hot chocolate as we know it today, made with milk and sugar, became popular in the 18th century and remains a beloved beverage today.

History of French Hot Chocolate

French hot chocolate has a rich history dating back to the 17th century. The first chocolate houses in France were opened in 1615 in Paris, where the elite would gather to drink chocolate and socialize. The chocolate served at these establishments was thick and rich, made with cocoa powder, sugar, and milk.

During the 18th century, the French royal court began to serve hot chocolate as a morning drink, and it quickly became a popular beverage among the upper class. In the 19th century, the industrial revolution brought new technologies for chocolate production which made it more widely available and affordable for the general population.

The traditional recipe for French hot chocolate calls for high-quality dark chocolate, which is finely chopped and melted in a saucepan with heavy cream and whole milk. Sugar and salt are also added to taste. The mixture is then heated until hot and smooth and is served in a mug.

One of the key differences between French and American hot chocolate is the use of real chocolate rather than cocoa powder. This gives French hot chocolate a deeper, more complex chocolate flavor that is truly indulgent. The addition of heavy cream also makes the drink richer and creamier than traditional hot chocolate.

Overall, French hot chocolate is a delicious and comforting treat that is perfect for cold winter days. Whether you’re curled up by the fire or out for a walk in the snow, a cup of French hot chocolate is sure to warm you up and put a smile on your face.

When making French hot chocolate, it’s important to take a few precautions to ensure that the final product is smooth, creamy, and delicious.

1. Use high-quality chocolate: French hot chocolate is known for its rich and decadent flavor, which is achieved by using high-quality chocolate with a high cocoa content.
2. Heat the milk slowly: When heating the milk, it’s important to do so slowly over low heat to avoid burning or scalding. This will also help to prevent the formation of lumps in the final product.
3. Stir constantly: When making French hot chocolate, it’s important to stir the mixture constantly to ensure that the chocolate is evenly distributed and to prevent it from burning.
4. Be careful with sugar: French hot chocolate is usually sweetened with very little sugar, but keep in mind that sugar can cause the chocolate to seize if added too quickly or in too large of an amount.
5. Keep the right consistency: French hot chocolate is known for its thick and creamy texture. If it becomes too thick, you can thin it out by adding more milk or water.

Ingredients used to Make Hot French Chocolate at home

The ingredients used to make French hot chocolate at home typically include:

Full-fat milk: 1/2 L

Vanilla: 1 tsp

Dark Chocolate (70%): 100 grams

Chocolate Powder: 1 1/2 tbsp

Salt: 1/4 tsp

Cinnamon stick: 1

Sugar: 1 tsp

Step by step Instructions:

1. Add milk to a sauce pan, add cinnamon stick, vanilla extract.
2. Let it come to a boil and then simmer cook. Stir continuously.
3. Simmer and cook for 10 mins and then remove the cinnamon stick.
4. Add cocoa powder. Mix well.
5. Turn the gas off.
6. Using a fine mesh strainer, filter the cocoa milk.
7. Use the filtered milk, put it back in a clean saucepan and back on the stove.
8. Add sugar, salt. Mix well.
9. Chop the chocolate and add it to the milk.
10. Chocolate melts fast so keep stirring also it will thicken the cocoa milk. Adjust the thickness according to your preference.
11. Cook for a minute on very low heat and it will turn rich and silky.
12. Pour it into a cup and have it with buttered toast and just like that.

In conclusion, French hot chocolate is a luxurious and satisfying drink that is easy to make at home. By using high-quality dark chocolate, heavy cream, and milk, you can create a thick, creamy and decadent drink that is perfect for a chilly evening or as a special treat. The recipe can also be adapted to meet dietary restrictions by using almond or soy milk and omitting the Gelatin. So, whether you’re looking for a cozy night in or an indulgent treat, give this recipe a try and enjoy the rich, chocolatey goodness of French hot chocolate.