French Chocolat a l’Ancienne

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Since the weather is getting cold, I thought it a perfect time to share a little something I like to call a cold remedy.

Not a cure for the common cold, but more like a potion that will warm the coldest of hands and melt the hardest of hearts during the winter months.

But first, a little background story.

I remember on my last visit to Paris, we stumbled across a lovely little spot in my favorite part of Paris – the I'le Saint-Louis.

La Charlotte de l'Isle, an eclectic salon de thé, has a pink facade and a curvaceous lady caricature gracing the outside. Ms. Charlotte I presume.

But inside is where the magic happens.

Even though it was September, I couldn't pass up a chance to have some of the best, French hot chocolate, made from an ancient recipe.

This is not your typical Nestle's powder cocoa-in-a-box that you mix with water, like you find here in the States.

Nay, nay.

This is pure dark chocolate melted and combined with rich whole milk to create a rich, oozy, heavenly concoction that slides down your throat, thick like honey, but oh so warm and chocolatey.

And though you won't be sipping it on the I'le Saint-Louis in Paris, the recipe below is so good, that your mind just might fool you.

Chocolat a l' Ancienne

6 oz. good quality semisweet chocolate, like Valrhona, chopped

¼ cup plus 3 tablespoons hot water, divided

3 cups hot whole milk

Sugar, to taste

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Using a double boiler or a heat-safe glass bowl over simmering water, melt the chopped chocolate into ¼ cup of the water. Stir in the 3 tablespoons hot water and milk until the chocolate mixture is smooth. Pour the hot chocolate into cups and add sugar as desired.

Sip plain or garnish with a spoonful of whipped cream.

***

So, what is your secret to the best Hot Chocolate?

Anne
November 21st, 2008
I saw a lady have that today, she was on the next table to me…but as I don’t speak or really understand Italian didn’t know what to ask for…never mind..!

Andy Bailey
November 23rd, 2008
oh chocolate, how I heart it …
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Robin Locker
November 23rd, 2008
Well, now you know, you should’ve asked her to share!!

Robin Locker
November 23rd, 2008
So do I, so do I. In fact, I don’t trust anyone who doesn’t like chocolate!

Anne
December 14th, 2010
Hi Robin .. so funny I have just seen my comment from 2008, that is when I had been on holiday in Italy …. and yeah now I know and can ask in Italy and Paris .. ..

I am in with you … How can anyone resist

Just look how far your language skills have come Anne!