Glace Hot Chocolate Recipe

The secret of Glace Hot Chocolate lies in its meticulous crafting, its gourmet flair, and the love that goes into every cup. It’s not just a drink; it’s an experience that involves premium chocolate, the perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness, and a finishing touch that could make any dessert green with envy. In my quest to replicate this slice of chocolatey heaven, I’ve experimented and tasted (a difficult job, but someone had to do it!) to get as close as possible to the original masterpiece.

How to make Glace Hot Chocolate

Glace Hot Chocolate is a frozen, dessert-like variation of traditional hot chocolate. It typically refers to a blend of hot chocolate ingredients, such as chocolate, milk, and sugar, that is cooled and then frozen into a semi-frozen or slushy consistency.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of whole milk (for richness; however, almond or oat milk can be excellent alternatives for a dairy-free version)
• 120g of high-quality dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa; choose a premium brand for the best flavor)
• 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder (unsweetened and sifted)
• 2 tablespoons of sugar (adjust based on your preferred sweetness level)
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract (for an aromatic depth)
• A pinch of sea salt (to enhance the chocolate flavor)
• Whipped cream (optional for serving)
• Cocoa powder or chocolate shavings (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chocolate: Roughly chop the dark chocolate into smaller pieces. This facilitates quicker and more even melting.
2. Heat the Milk: In a medium saucepan, gently heat the milk over medium-low heat. Warm it until it’s steaming but not boiling, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming on the surface.
3. Combine Chocolate and Cocoa: Add the chopped dark chocolate and sifted cocoa powder to the saucepan as the milk heats.
4. Sweeten and Flavor: Stir in the sugar, ensuring it’s fully dissolved. Add a pinch of sea salt and the vanilla extract, blending everything together till smooth.
5. Simmer: Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for a few minutes, stirring constantly. Be careful not to let it boil. You’re aiming for a silky consistency where the chocolate is completely melded with the milk.
6. Serve with Love: Pour the hot chocolate into mugs, garnish with whipped cream if desired, and sprinkle a little cocoa powder or chocolate shavings on top for that special touch.

Tips for the Perfect Glace Hot Chocolate:

1. Quality Matters: The choice of chocolate is pivotal. High-quality, high-cocoa-content chocolate bars will yield a more luxurious and rich drink than regular chips or baking chocolate.
2. Stir, Stir, Stir: Constant stirring helps combine the ingredients smoothly and prevents the chocolate and milk from sticking to the bottom and burning.
3. Gentle Heat: Never rush the process by turning up the heat. A slow simmer is key to developing the flavors without risking the milk curdling or the chocolate seizing.
4. Personal Touch: Feel free to tweak the recipe to your taste. For a spicier kick, a dash of cinnamon or chili powder can work wonders. Adding a shot of espresso will turn it into a mocha delight for coffee lovers.
5. Serving Suggestions: While delicious on its own, serving the Glace Hot Chocolate with a side as suggested in the previous post—such as buttery croissants or sweet, ripe strawberries—will enhance the experience, making it even more memorable.

What to serve with

Serving Glace Hot Chocolate, a rich and velvety drink, calls for accompaniments that complement its indulgence and sophistication.

1. Classic Pastries

• Croissants: Fresh, buttery croissants bring a flaky texture and a subtle, savory contrast to the sweet chocolate.
• Pain au Chocolat: Double down on chocolate with this classic French pastry. The additional chocolate inside plays well with the cocoa flavors in your mug.

2. Cookies

• Shortbread Cookies: Their buttery crunch and simplicity make shortbread an exemplary companion, allowing the hot chocolate to shine.
• Chocolate Chip Cookies: Is there anything more comforting than chocolate chip cookies with hot chocolate? Opt for cookies with a slightly gooey center for a heavenly experience.

3. Cakes and Sweets

• Cheesecake: A slice of cheesecake, with its creamy texture and tangy flavor, offers a wonderful balance to the rich chocolate.
• Churros: Dunking warm, sugar-coated churros into hot chocolate is a tradition in many cultures and for good reason. The crispy exterior and soft interior absorb the chocolate beautifully.

4. Savory Snacks

• Pretzels: The saltiness of pretzels can cut through the sweetness of the hot chocolate, providing a delightful savory-sweet experience.
• Cheese Board: A mini cheese board featuring mild cheeses, like brie or camembert, and some fruit offers a sophisticated pairing option.

5. Fruit

• Strawberries: Fresh strawberries dipped in Glace Hot Chocolate make for a simple yet decadent treat.
• Bananas: Slices of banana dipped into the hot chocolate or served on the side add a natural sweetness and a soft, creamy texture that complements the beverage wonderfully.

6. Marshmallows and Whipped Cream

• Toasted Marshmallows: A top layer of toasted marshmallows gives you that campfire vibe, adding a smoky sweetness.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream, maybe with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon on top, introduces a cool and creamy dimension.

7. Special Touches

• Cinnamon Sticks or Powder: A hint of cinnamon adds warmth and spice, enhancing the chocolate’s complexity.
• Orange Zest: For a subtle citrusy note, a little orange zest grated over the whipped cream can transform the flavor profile beautifully.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a cup of Glace Hot Chocolate that accommodates dietary restrictions, preferences, or just a twist in flavor is a delightful endeavor. With a few simple ingredient substitutes, you can tailor this decadent drink to suit virtually any requirement without sacrificing the luxurious essence that defines it.

Dairy Milk Alternatives:

• Almond Milk: Offers a slightly nutty flavor and lighter texture. It’s a great low-calorie, dairy-free option.
• Oat Milk—Known for its creamy texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor, oat milk enhances the richness of the chocolate without overpowering it.
• Coconut Milk adds a tropical hint to hot chocolate. For an extra creamy texture, use canned coconut milk. If you prefer a lighter version, go for the coconut milk beverage found in cartons.
• Soy Milk: A higher-protein alternative that offers a creamy consistency similar to whole milk, making it a straightforward substitute.

Dark Chocolate Alternatives:

• Milk Chocolate – For a sweeter, creamier hot chocolate, milk chocolate can be used. Note that this will significantly alter the flavor profile.
• White Chocolate: Offers a decadent, creamy taste that’s quite different from traditional hot chocolate but is equally luxurious.
• Dairy-Free Chocolate: Many brands offer high-quality vegan chocolate bars for those avoiding dairy without compromising taste.

Sugar Alternatives:

• Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that adds a nuanced flavor. Start with a tablespoon and adjust according to taste.
• Honey: Another natural alternative, though it has a distinct flavor that might alter the taste profile of your hot chocolate.
• Stevia or Xylitol: For those watching their sugar intake, these alternatives can provide sweetness without the added calories. Use sparingly, as their sweetness is more intense than regular sugar.

Cocoa Powder Alternatives:

• Carob Powder: A caffeine-free alternative to cocoa powder, carob is naturally sweet but lacks the bitterness of cocoa. It can be used in a one-to-one ratio, though the flavor profile will differ significantly.

Flavoring Alternatives:

• Peppermint Extract—Using a few drops of peppermint extract in place of vanilla extract will yield a refreshing minty version, perfect for the holidays.
• Almond Extract: Swap the vanilla extract for almond to complement nut milk-based versions.
• Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, or a pinch of chili powder can be added for a unique twist.

Garnish Alternatives:

• Vegan Whipped Cream—Several plant-based whipped creams, such as coconut or almond milk, are on the market.
• Dairy-Free Chocolate Shavings: Ensure the chocolate used for shavings is dairy-free if catering to a dairy-free diet.

Final Thoughts

When serving Glace Hot Chocolate, consider the mood and occasion. A casual get-together calls for simple, comforting sides like cookies and pretzels, while a more formal gathering might be suited to elegant options like pastries and a cheese board.

More Drink Recipes:

• Crockpot Hot Chocolate with Instant Mix
• Williams Sonoma Hot Chocolate Recipe