When the tantalizing smell of hot chocolate fills the space, it becomes completely impossible to resist the call of this aroma. And it’s probably not worth it, because cocoa is just a dessert drink, but the real food of the gods! It is believed that its creators were the Mayan Indians, who lived about 2500–3000 years ago and revered cocoa as a shrine. It is not for nothing that the chocolate tree has the scientific name “theobroma”, which literally means “food of the gods”.
How to cook cocoa powder in milk
Prepare this drink for breakfast for the whole family. It lifts your spirits, charges you with energy and strength for the whole day! We will cook it in milk, which will make it tastier and more nutritious.
It’s not at all difficult to prepare – see for yourself!
To prepare we will need:
- 0.5 l. milk
- Granulated sugar – 2-2.5 tbsp. l. to taste
- Water – 70 ml.
- Cocoa powder – 2.5 tbsp. l. with a slide
Preparation:
1. Pour milk into a saucepan and place on the stove.
Before pouring milk into the saucepan, rinse it with water and do not wipe it afterwards.
A thin layer of water will prevent burning. Of course, provided that you monitor the boiling process.
2. In a separate bowl, mix cocoa with granulated sugar. You can adjust the amount of sugar to your taste.
3. Now pour 70 ml here. boiling water Mix everything until all dry lumps disappear. At this stage, do not expect a homogeneous mass. After all, cocoa will not completely dissolve here.
4. As soon as the milk begins to boil, foam will rise (the temperature of the liquid should reach approximately 90 degrees).
5. Pour in liquid cocoa in a thin stream. Mix it immediately when pouring.
6. Now all you have to do is wait for it to boil. As soon as the liquid begins to bubble, remove from the stove. We pour it into cups and invite the family for breakfast.
Is there any harm?
“Everything is good in moderation” - this hackneyed rule is also true in the case of cocoa
.
Excessive consumption of drinks or products containing cocoa beans has a stimulating effect on the nervous system.- People with high stomach acidity should be careful when handling cocoa.
- Cocoa in large quantities can provoke allergic reactions, so the recommended drink intake is no more than 2 cups per day.
Otherwise, it all depends on taste preferences, but in moderation you can get the maximum benefit and not harm your health.
Delicious cocoa powder made with milk
We will prepare thick, aromatic and very tasty hot chocolate according to this recipe. In taste and consistency, it is very similar to drinks that are offered in restaurants and cafes. Treat yourself and your loved ones with homemade hot chocolate. It’s very simple – you can cook it even every day!
To prepare we will need:
- Milk – 1 liter
- Sugar to taste - about 2 tbsp.
- Corn starch 1-2 tbsp.
- A pinch of salt
- Cocoa powder – 2-4 tbsp.
Preparation:
1. Let's start by putting the milk on the stove. Do not move far from it so that it does not run away and burn. You need to bring it to the point of boiling.
2.While the milk is boiling, prepare everything else. The amount of cocoa depends on the desired richness of the product. We will add 4 tablespoons. Thus, the cocoa will be moderately rich and very tasty. So, pour the powder into a sieve and sift into a dry bowl. Next we sift the starch. Add granulated sugar and salt to taste. Mix everything.
Starch determines the thickness of the future drink. Therefore, depending on the expected result, you can add 1-2 tbsp. l. You don’t have to put in a lot of sugar at once. After all, it can be added to an already finished product, adjusting the sweetness to taste.
3. Now the main secret is lump-free cocoa. Before adding the dry mixture to milk, you need to dilute it first. To do this, add a little warmed milk here, literally 1-2 tablespoons at a time. Stir after each serving. You need to achieve the consistency of smooth chocolate paste, without dry lumps of powder.
4. To make it easier to add the resulting paste to the milk, add about half a glass more milk and stir. Then the mixture will become more liquid and easily pour into the pan. So, pour it into almost boiling milk. Pour in a thin stream, mixing thoroughly. Without stopping stirring, bring to a boil. You will notice how the liquid begins to thicken - this is the work of starch.
5. After the drink cools a little, it will become even thicker. Pour it into portions. If desired, you can decorate with cream, mint, powdered sugar and so on.
6. You can control the degree of thickness with the amount of starch. From 2 tablespoons, the drink turns out to be quite thick. If you pour it on a flat surface, the strip will not spread. Even if you run it with your finger, it will hold its shape.
A little history
The first who were able to appreciate the beauty of the drink were the inhabitants of what is now America. They sincerely revered cocoa beans, and one might say, to some extent, deified them. So in Indian mythology you can find the goddess Shkakau, who was the patroness of cocoa beans, and her name literally translates as “cocoa eater.”
However, the modern name "Cocoa" was borrowed from the Aztec language. There, a drink was made from the beans, which was called kakauatl. Translating the term, we get the phrase “bitter water” and it is from this word that the modern name cocoa was born.
It was the Aztecs who gave us the second important word for those with a sweet tooth: “chocolate” chocolatl
. Although initially it was a foamy drink that was prescribed only to men, women and children were forbidden to drink it. It was believed that it was harmful to health.
The European and world community got the opportunity to get acquainted with this strange product only after 1502. At that time, Columbus was making another trip to new lands, in which the sailors noticed strange nuts. And it took more than 300 years for humanity to be able to enjoy the first cocoa drink, exactly as we imagine it. Back then it was a thick, fatty and foamy cocktail, which over time lost its calorie content and became an easily soluble modern delicacy.
Cocoa recipe made from cocoa powder and water
Cocoa made with milk is richer, and with water it becomes lighter. I offer you a recipe that is very easy to prepare. If for one reason or another you do not drink milk, then this is not a reason to give up your favorite chocolate drink.
To prepare we will need (for 1 cup):
- 1-2 teaspoons cocoa powder
- 1-2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 100 milliliters boiling water
Preparation:
1. Sift cocoa into a dry bowl. Add granulated sugar here. If you like the aroma of cinnamon, you can add a pinch of ground spice here. Mix everything.
2. Pour boiling water. Stir everything until all lumps are completely dissolved. Some consider this the final stage of cooking. But the drink will be heterogeneous, grains will be felt in it. Therefore, pour the mixture into a saucepan or saucepan and place it on the stove.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring. Now you can remove from the stove. Real cocoa always leaves sediment. Therefore, it is better to let it sit for 10 minutes, and then pour it into glasses, leaving the sediment in the saucepan.
Taste it. You may find that there is not enough sugar. For a taste contrast, you can add a pinch of salt.
Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Doctors are still arguing about whether drinking cocoa and eating chocolate during pregnancy . On the one hand, it contains useful folic acid, which is very important for a child. Only with a sufficient amount of it will the fetus develop normally and a healthy nervous system be formed. The antidepressant properties of the product will also be useful for expectant mothers who experience enormous physical and nervous stress.
powder contains substances that significantly reduce the risk of developing diseases such as stroke, heart attack, cancer, and diabetes.
On the other hand, high calorie content contributes to rapid weight , and everyone knows that chocolate can cause allergies.
The conclusion is simple: in small quantities, in the absence of allergic reactions, pregnant women and nursing mothers can drink cocoa and eat their favorite chocolate. If you or your child have signs of an allergy, the product should be immediately excluded from the diet.
How to properly brew cocoa powder from milk
Many people start their morning with a cup of coffee. Others prefer cocoa to this invigorating drink. It also fills you with strength and energy from the very morning. Chocolate promotes the production of endorphins. This means that such a breakfast will lift your mood for the whole day. According to this recipe, we will prepare cocoa with milk without lumps or films.
To prepare we will need:
- Liter of milk
- Cinnamon, vanillin optional
- 2 tablespoons natural cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (can be adjusted to taste)
Preparation:
1. Pour milk into a saucepan or saucepan. Turn on the heat and place on the stove. You need to wait until the liquid almost boils - foam will begin to form on the surface, but the boiling process will not yet be obvious.
2. Sift cocoa into a dry, clean bowl. It is better to sift it to avoid the long dissolution of lumps. The cocoa balls will remain in the sieve. We knead them with a spoon and also sift them down to the last grain of sand. Mix it with granulated sugar.
3. Now pour about 100 ml into this mixture. warmed milk from the total amount. Stir here until all the lumps are broken. The mass at this stage will not be completely homogeneous. There will be grains of cocoa sand left here. Our goal is to get rid of dry lumps. The mixture will be diluted until smooth when boiling.
4. Pour our chocolate mixture into the milk. Mix everything until the mixture becomes a uniform color. Cover loosely with a lid. Cook for 5 minutes on low power, stirring frequently to prevent the milk from boiling.
5. To ensure that there is no film in the cup with the drink, you need to stir it with a whisk while still in the pan. The liquid will become saturated with oxygen, and a bubbly foam will appear on the surface. Now we pour it into portions and hurry to the table!
Let's talk about the benefits
In addition to dry numbers and names, it is important to understand that cocoa has a certain effect on the body. Judging by your own feelings, you can draw conclusions and understand whether this product should be used in everyday life. Looking ahead, we note that it is definitely necessary, even if you are not interested in a balanced diet “by the sheet”.
Most of the beneficial effects of the drink on the body are associated with its effect on the cardiovascular system. By drinking 1 cup of cocoa per day, you can notice the following positive effects
:
- Receiving an enhanced dose of natural antioxidants
. Cocoa is generally recognized as the richest source of polyphenols, and these substances help: reduce inflammatory processes throughout the body, improve blood circulation. In addition, they help increase “good” cholesterol. - The drink helps lower blood pressure
. An increase in the level of nitric oxide in the blood was also recorded. This effect is achieved due to the content of flavonoids, which improve the condition of blood vessels. At the same time, to achieve the effect, you need to consume cocoa daily. It has been proven that people who added cocoa to their diet (1.4-10.5 g daily) lowered their blood pressure readings by approximately 2 mmHg. Moreover, greater results were recorded in those who suffered from high blood pressure and the elderly. - Cocoa helps dilate arteries and blood vessels, which reduces the risk of heart attacks and stroke
. This result is achieved due to the blood-thinning effect, which reduces the chances of serious health problems even if you are predisposed to cardiovascular diseases. - All through the same improved blood flow, cocoa promotes efficient brain function, namely, reduces the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, including those of an age-related nature
. Active flavonoids are involved in the formation of new neurons and other important cells involved in the functioning of the brain. Observations of subjects showed that constant consumption of cocoa helps improve mental abilities in both healthy people and those with mental disabilities. Today, studies are being conducted on the effect of cocoa on the prevention of diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, although scientists have not yet made final conclusions. - Cocoa also helps those who suffer from asthma attacks
. Thanks to the substances theobromine and theophylline, enjoying this drink daily helps relieve inflammation and relax the upper respiratory tract. - Eating natural cocoa also helps control weight and reduce appetite
. Due to its high nutritional value and enhanced fat oxidation, cocoa helps normalize the diet and, as a result, reduce body weight. However, such conclusions only apply to a completely natural product.
And a daily mug of cocoa is a source of excellent mood. It has been proven that a drink based on cocoa beans can not only improve your emotional state, but also cope with symptoms of depression.
. Of course, we are not talking about a complete cure, but cocoa helps relieve symptoms even in severe cases and significantly improves the overall mental state. Experiments have also confirmed that cocoa lovers thus improve their psychological state and increase their level of satisfaction with life.
And if you want to get the maximum benefit from a mug of cocoa, then it is important to choose high-quality raw materials and brew the drink correctly. Otherwise, excessive heat treatment will significantly reduce the strength of the beneficial effect.
Delicious cocoa with milk and marshmallows
Small marshmallows go perfectly with aromatic cocoa drink. They create a light fluffy foam in the drink. This beauty and deliciousness can be cooked just like that, for breakfast or for the funniest party.
To prepare we will need:
- 500 ml. milk
- A teaspoon of vanilla sugar (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar to taste
- 30 grams marshmallows per serving
- Cocoa powder – 2 tbsp.
Preparation:
1. Pour sifted cocoa into a saucepan or small saucepan. Next we add sugar and vanillin. Pour 100 ml of the total amount here. milk. Place on the stove and turn on the heat.
2. Stirring, bring the mass until smooth. As it warms up, this will become easier to do. Then pour in the remaining milk. Stir. Wait for the liquid to boil, stirring frequently.
3. Pour the finished drink into glasses. Place marshmallows in each serving. If desired, you can sprinkle with grated chocolate.
What to look for when purchasing
In order to get the maximum benefit from use, you should pay attention to:
- naturalness of the product - it should not be fried, which has a negative effect on the amount of vitamins and other important substances
- Bio-cocoa, grown without the use of chemicals in an environmentally friendly environment, has the best qualities
- choose a pure product without added milk or sugar, which reduce the concentration of the active substance. If you don't like the unsweetened drink, you can sweeten it slightly with honey.
How to make cocoa from Dominican Republic balls
Having visited the Dominican Republic, many tourists bring cocoa balls from there. But not many people know how to cook them later. Now I will show you how to do it correctly.
To prepare we will need:
- Cocoa balls
- Sugar
- Milk
- Cinnamon
Preparation:
1. These balls are quite dense. They need to be grated.
2. Choose the amount of finished powder in relation to milk according to taste. A medium-sized ball is enough for 2-3 servings. You can also grate cinnamon or add already ground cinnamon.
3. Pour some water into the pan. Place a bowl on top, not in contact with the liquid. Boil water. We send cocoa with cinnamon and granulated sugar to such a water bath. All ingredients to taste.
4. Mix everything and add preheated milk in parts. After each serving, mix thoroughly. Over low heat, stirring frequently, bring the mixture until all grains of sand have dissolved. This takes at least 15 minutes.
Now you can pour into cups and serve.
How to choose a good product and check its quality
In stores you can find two types of cocoa:
- powder to be boiled;
- dry mixture for quick preparation.
Natural powder is healthier for your health. It does not contain sugar or preservatives.
When choosing, evaluate the fat content (on the packaging): it should be at least 15% in the product, shelf life.
The remaining quality criteria can be assessed for the product already purchased. These include:
- The smell of chocolate . It must be strong and clean, without foreign inclusions.
- There should be no lumps . Their presence indicates improper storage.
- Grinding He's supposed to be very small. To assess the quality, you can rub the powder between your fingers. Good cocoa should stick to the skin and not crumble into dust.
- The color can only be brown.
It is advisable to taste a little of the product before cooking. A rancid or other unpleasant aftertaste indicates that it is unsuitable for food.
REFERENCE! After preparing the drink, the suspension in the liquid should not settle before two minutes.
Nutritional value calories and vitamins of cocoa
Nutritional value - per 100 grams of cocoa powder - 228 kilocalories. Fats - 14 grams; carbohydrates - 58 grams; proteins - 20 grams. Saturated fat - 8 grams, polyunsaturated fatty acids - 0.4 grams and monounsaturated fatty acids - 4.6 grams.
Vitamins and minerals in 100 grams of Cocoa powder - vitamin B6 - 0.1 milligrams, sodium - 21 milligrams; calcium - 128 milligrams; iron - 13.9 milligrams; potassium - 1524 milligrams and magnesium - 499 milligrams. Dietary fiber - 33 grams, sugar - 1.8 grams and caffeine 230 milligrams.
