L ifestyles /C ulture
Hot Chocolate: A Love Affair
F O OD
BECAUSE I LOVE chocolate,
I was thrilled to learn that Jan.

31 is National Hot Chocolate
Day. What could be better than
a day devoted to this velvety
rich drink?
Believe it or not, hot
chocolate is actually good for
you — if you skip the sugar.

Unsweetened cocoa powder is
loaded with antioxidants and
flavanols, which are healthy
nutrients. Bringing back the best
childhood memories, cocoa
conjures up winter and the big
four: sledding, skiing, snowball
fights and sitting by a fireplace.

The first hot chocolate
was enjoyed by the Mayans
about 2,000 years ago. It was
prepared as a savory drink
with chili peppers. Today in
Mexico, sweetened cocoa is
spiced with cayenne pepper
and chili powder.

The French dress up hot
chocolate with cinnamon
sticks and vanilla. At breakfast,
they often dip brioche into this
silky rich elixir.

While Italian hot chocolate
is so thick it’s as filling as a
meal, the American version is
a lighter cocoa-kissed drink,
topped by slowly melting
marshmallows. Because Jan. 31 falls on a
Sunday, it’s the perfect time
to celebrate National Hot
Chocolate Day.

Follow COVID-19 guide-
lines and limit gatherings to
immediate family and people
in your pod or host a party
outdoors. Serve cocoa in fine
Lilechka75 / iStock / Getty Images Plus
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Neighbors COCOA AMERICANO | DAIRY
FRENCH HOT CHOCOLATE |
DAIRY Serves 4
In a medium-large pot,
briefly heat 4 tablespoons of
milk to warm. Sprinkle in the
cocoa. Remove the pot from the
flame. Stir until the mixture
forms a chocolate paste.

Add 4 cups of milk, sugar
and salt. Return the pot to a
medium flame. Whisk vigor-
ously until the chocolate paste
dissolves and the ingredients
are well combined. Bring the
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Holland Village
280 Middle Holland Road
Holland, PA 18966
www.hollandvillage.net JANUARY 14, 2021
cocoa to a fast simmer for 2
minutes. Pour into 4 cups or mugs.

Top with 2 marshmallows
apiece and serve immediately.

4 tablespoons, plus 4 cups
whole milk
4 heaping tablespoons
fine-quality unsweetened
cocoa powder
8 heaping tablespoons
sugar ⅛ teaspoon of salt
8 standard-size marshmallows
(JET-PUFFED brand is
kosher) • Newly renovated luxury independent
living apartment homes and cottages
18 china, rustic mugs or quirky
cups. Whatever the style of
your celebration, sipping this
decadent drink is the ultimate
indulgence. JEWISH EXPONENT
Serves 4
4 tablespoons, plus 4 cups
whole milk
8 teaspoons fine-quality
unsweetened cocoa
4 drops vanilla
2 cinnamon sticks
⅛ teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons sugar
8 ounces fine-quality
semisweet chocolate
Optional accompaniment:
brioche or challah
slices In a medium-large pot,
briefly heat 4 tablespoons of
milk over a medium flame until
warm. Sprinkle in the cocoa.

Remove it from the flame. Stir
well until the mixture forms a
chocolate paste.

Add 4 cups milk, vanilla,
cinnamon sticks, salt and
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