Grappa: it's all Italian and is known all over the world

We are approaching the cold season of warm clothes and warm homely warmth. A valuable tip that we can give you to better face this period is to carve out moments of relaxation with yourself or in company to enjoy a good cup of hot chocolate, a cuddle that will improve your mood and will accompany you throughout the

winter.

The history of hot chocolate

Make yourself comfortable, before revealing our precious advice, let us tell you about the history of chocolate.
The origins of chocolate as a hot drink, comfort food par excellence, date back to the ancient Mayans, a people specialized in the cultivation and consumption of cacao in Latin America.

The first recipe for hot chocolate at the time was very different from the one we know today, the mixture was prepared by combining cocoa, beans, water and a pinch of pepper. The differences in taste, more bitter and spicy, are evident. The recipe was baptized with the name 'xocoatl' which means spicy, bitter and water. It immediately became a highly appreciated and delicious drink to be consumed mainly on special occasions and anniversaries to enhance its importance.

In the 17th century it began to spread throughout Europe, refining the preparation technique and the ingredients, such as the use of milk instead of water by the British, up to the tasty traditional chocolate.

Hot chocolate: uses

and benefits

During the winter period, hot chocolate is a very common and pleasant drink to consume. Did you know that a cup of chocolate prepared with natural or dark bitter cocoa contains few sugars and guarantees a balanced and pleasant taste? The caloric intake is, in fact, balanced and allows it to be included in the daily diet of many people, even those who follow a low-calorie diet.

By choosing quality ingredients, hot chocolate has multiple healthy effects as a powerful antioxidant, stimulates blood circulation, regulates blood pressure and prevents diabetes. Among the greatest benefits we can mention the production of serotonin, which is known as the happiness hormone. The consumption of chocolate promotes the release of endorphins, neurotransmitters that increase the feeling of pleasure while improving mood.

A moderate but regular consumption of chocolate can increase intellectual and physical performance by improving concentration. Thanks to epicatechin and theobromine, components of cacao, it is possible to feel more energetic and focused.

The beneficial effects of hot chocolate are also due to the texture and temperature of the drink, as heat increases the amount of antioxidants while, on the contrary, decreases the percentage of saturated fat. The flavonoids, which chocolate is rich in, keep the blood fluid and promote the oxygenation

of brain tissues.

How to make traditional hot chocolate

Well, it's time to prepare a perfect cup of traditional chocolate! We recommend that you use quality products, starting with milk that must be fresh and whole for a fuller taste. Cocoa is important to be bitter or dark for a more intense taste, avoiding sweet or milky.

The recommended doses of the ingredients are 250ml fresh milk, 65g bitter or dark cocoa, 15g corn or starch starch, 25g icing or brown sugar, 2 vanilla or cinnamon pods to taste.

The procedure involves melting the chocolate in a water bath and over low heat. In another saucepan, dissolve 150ml milk and cornstarch, making sure that no lumps form. Add the remaining milk, sugar and any flavors without ever stopping mixing and finally add the melted chocolate. Mix until a thick and homogeneous mixture is obtained. It is important to serve the drink hot and garnish as desired with cream, marshmallows, almonds, macaroons, hazelnuts, pistachios or chilli pepper.

A valid alternative to save on the time of buying the products and preparing the drink is to buy directly the preparation of hot chocolate powder, such as the Domori Hot Chocolate belonging to our selection of typical sweet products, giving you a pleasant moment of sweetness and guaranteeing you an excellent result

for your palate!