Chocolate Santafereño
Chocolate Santafereño is a traditional Colombian-style hot chocolate.It is made with rich chocolate and creamy milk and whisked until frothy.A wooden molinillo traditionally creates its characteristic foam.Mild cheese is often placed directly into the hot chocolate.The warm chocolate and soft, slightly salty cheese create a unique pairing.Serve it for breakfast or an afternoon snack with Colombian breads or arepas.
Ingredients
For the Hot Chocolate
- 4 cups whole milk
- 4–5 oz (115–140 g) Colombian-style dark or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1–2 tablespoons sugar, optional
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 small pinch of salt
For the Traditional Cheese
- 4–6 oz (115–170 g) mild melting cheese, cut into cubes
Good choices include:
- Mozzarella
- Quesillo
- Queso campesino
- Mild farmer's cheese
- Another mild, lightly salty cheese that softens well
Instructions
Prepare the Chocolate
- Chop the chocolate into small pieces.Smaller pieces melt more quickly and evenly.
Warm the Milk
- Pour the milk into a medium saucepan.Add the cinnamon stick.Warm over medium-low heat until the milk is hot and steaming.Do not allow it to boil vigorously.
Add the Chocolate
- Add the chopped chocolate to the hot milk.Reduce the heat to low.Stir continuously until the chocolate has completely melted.
Add Vanilla
- Remove the cinnamon stick.Stir in the vanilla extract and a tiny pinch of salt.The salt helps balance and enhance the chocolate flavor.
Whisk Until Frothy
- Traditionally, use a molinillo to whisk the chocolate.Place the molinillo into the pot and roll it rapidly between your hands.Continue until a generous layer of foam develops on the surface.If you don't have a molinillo, use a regular whisk or milk frother.
Serve the Chocolate
- Pour the hot chocolate into four heatproof cups or traditional chocolate mugs.Leave enough room for the cheese.
Serve Immediately
- Serve Chocolate Santafereño piping hot.Enjoy the softened cheese directly from the cup or scoop it out with a spoon.Serve alongside warm bread, arepas, buñuelos, or other Colombian snacks.
Notes
- Chocolate: Colombian-style chocolate tablets work particularly well.
- Milk: Whole milk provides the richest texture.
- Sweetness: Adjust sugar according to the chocolate used.
- Foam: Traditional preparation includes vigorous whisking.
- Molinillo: A wooden molinillo is traditional but not essential.
- Cheese: Choose a mild cheese that softens or melts without becoming excessively oily.
- Temperature: Avoid boiling the milk.
- Serving: This drink is best enjoyed immediately while very hot.