A Z World Foods: Ecuadorian Hot Chocolate

cacao paste

🥗Healthier: dark chocolate

💰Cheaper: cocoa powder

Cocoa powder is more accessible and still provides rich chocolate flavor.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey offers natural sweetness with potential health benefits.

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: water

Almond milk is lower in calories and suitable for lactose intolerance.

whipped cream

🥗Healthier: coconut cream

💰Cheaper: none

Coconut cream adds richness while being dairy-free.

Start by heating 2 cups of milk in a pot on low heat, ensuring it doesn't boil over.

Add 4 tablespoons of brown sugar to the milk once it's warm.

Incorporate 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips into the mixture.

Add 4 tablespoons of cocoa powder, mixing until dissolved; it may clump initially but will smooth out with time.

Add a pinch of salt and continue mixing until the mixture is smooth.

Once combined, pour half of the mixture (about 1.5 cups) into a blender.

Add 4 tablespoons of cream cheese to the blender with the hot chocolate mixture.

Cover the blender with a tea towel (removing the center insert to prevent pressure build-up) and blend until smooth.

Pour the blended mixture back into the pot with the remaining hot chocolate and stir to combine.

Heat the combined mixture gently, ensuring it doesn't boil, and serve immediately.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens