Throughout time, the question is frequently asked, “Which kind of chocolate do you prefer?” Milk or dark? Is there really a right or wrong answer? Absolutely not!! YOU decide what tastes good to you and what gives you the best taste in a drink, cookie, or any delectable dish that is filled with chocolate.

For purposes in this post, I will let you know the characteristics, varieties and health benefits of each type.

Milk Chocolate

• High in calcium
• Good for your heart – According to the results of a nearly 21,000-person study, the risk of heart disease went down 14% and the risk of stroke went down by 23%. Other studies involving 158,000 participants resulted again in positive results with a 29% lower risk of heart disease and a 21% lower risk of stroke. Most of these participants preferred milk chocolate.
• Boost brain health – One 2009 study found the consumption of milk chocolate led to improvements in a number of cognitive functions, including memory, problem solving, and attention span. The researchers attribute these benefits to high levels of procyanidin (a flavonoid that can reduce inflammation in the brain) and thiamin (aka vitamin B1, which has an energizing effect.)
• Antioxidants – Dark chocolate has more antioxidants but less is not zero. Milk chocolate contains good-for-you polyphenols, which can assist with everything from immunity to hair health and stress relief. Always moderation in chocolate as it is high in calories. 

Source:  TCHO

Dark Chocolate

• Very nutritious – a 100-gram bar of dark chocolate with 70 – 85% cocoa contains 11 grams of fiber, 67% of the RDI for iron, 58% of the RDI for magnesium, 89% of the RDI for copper, 98% of the RDI for manganese. It also has plenty of potassium, phosphorus, zinc, and selenium. 100 grams of chocolate is a lot of chocolate which will equal about 600 calories. Always remember to consume chocolate in moderation.
• Powerful source of antioxidants – Dark chocolate is loaded with organic compounds that are biologically active and function as antioxidants. These include polyphenols, flavanols, and catechins, among others. One study showed that dark chocolate had more antioxidant activity, polyphenols and flavanols that any other fruits tested, which included blueberries and acai berries.
• May improve blood flow and lower blood pressure.
• Raises HDL and Protects LDL from oxidation
• May reduce heart disease risk
• May protect your skin from the sun
• Could improve brain function

Source: Healthline

The hot chocolate for today comes from France. This is a thinner hot chocolate, yet delicious and easy to drink 2 cups. I usually prefer dark chocolate, but I made this recipe with a milk chocolate. I used Peter’s Ultra — a wonderful milk chocolate which is very smooth with a melt-in-your-mouth taste. Fresh whipped cream is absolutely delicious in this recipe. I used a chocolate pot and used this hot chocolate recipe as a dessert drink and it would be delicious served with a shortbread cookie. Shortbread is another post altogether that will come in due time.

Chocolate Chaud – French Hot Chocolate

Ingredients

• 6 ounces chocolate (chopped into small pieces)
• ¼ cup water (hot)
• 3 tablespoons water (hot)
• 3 cups milk (hot)
• Sugar to taste
• Garnish with fresh whipped cream and chocolate curls

Instructions

1. Gather the ingredients.
2. Using a double boiler or a heat-safe bowl over simmering water, melt the chopped chocolate into ¼ cup of the water.
3. Stir in the 3 tablespoons hot water and milk until the chocolate mixture is smooth.
4. Pour the hot chocolate into cups or a chocolate pot.
5. If using individual cups, have each cup add sugar as desired. If using a pot, after each cup has been poured, sweeten and garnish as desired with a spoonful of fresh whipped cream and chocolate curls.
6. Note: When making fresh whipped cream, add a few drops of vanilla for a great flavor.

Source:  Spruce Eats

Hot Chocolate vs. Hot Cocoa

Ever wondered what the difference is?  Or if there’s a difference at all?

They are definitely different.  Neither one is better than the other.  They’re just different.

The major difference is the type of chocolate used.  Hot cocoa is made by mixing cocoa powder, powdered milk, and a sweetener with water or milk.  By contrast, hot chocolate is made by mixing actual chocolate (grated) with milk.

So, what other differences are there?

Because hot cocoa is made with cocoa powder, it doesn’t have any cocoa butter in it, making it low in fat.  Hot chocolate, being made with actual chocolate, does contain cocoa butter.  While this does add fat, it also creates a richer flavor and a smoother and thicker beverage.

Hot cocoa has a more powerful chocolate flavor than hot chocolate because all the cocoa butter is pressed out of the cocoa powder.  Hot chocolate is more mild in chocolatey-ness, but it is more rich.

Here’s a recipe for hot cocoa and one for hot chocolate.  Make up a batch of each and see which one you prefer.

Save