Cuckoo for Cocoa


Michael Duca
Artwork by Cici Davidson

Marshmallows? Whipped cream? Plain?
    More than 475 years ago, Spanish conquistadores saw Aztec royalty enjoying a hot beverage after dinner. Back in the day, ground cocoa, water, red wine and hot peppers were the drink of choice in Mexico. By the time it was taken back to Spain, the libation was sweetened and heated, and the peppers were deleted. Marshmallows and whipped cream were not yet on the menu.
    In England, milk was added, and the drink we now know as cocoa was born, but there are actually two very different beverages—hot cocoa and hot chocolate, and if you’ve ever had a cup of hot chocolate from an espresso bar in Italy or France, you know what we’re talking about.
    Few things can be as simple and yet as satisfying as a steaming mug of hot chocolate. Most of us know about powdered mixes, added either to hot water or warm milk, but there are other ways to make this elixir of joy.
    Mexican chocolate, which is made with raw sugar and includes cinnamon, can be made from large “tablets” of chocolate, spices and sugar that can be purchased in the Mexican section of most grocery stores. “Abuelita,” or “Grandma,” is one brand. Put two sections of chocolate in a cup, add a cup of milk, microwave until the chocolate is soft, then mix or blend until frothy.
    Or, you can make the real thing. It’s actually easy, and it’s good for you. Researchers at Cornell University published a study in 2004 that showed a cup of hot chocolate contains more antioxidants than a cup of green tea or a glass of red wine.
    At least once, abandon the sugar-free envelopes of cocoa mix and make it from scratch. An easy recipe for 4 cups is to take 6 ounces of chocolate chips and melt them in a double boiler (over simmering, not boiling, water) until smooth. Blend in two cups of heavy cream, stirring constantly, and heat just to boiling. Add a pinch or more of ground cinnamon, a pinch of salt and a few drops of vanilla extract.
    Marshmallows? Whipped cream? Plain? Your call.