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Quick & Delicious Puerto Rican Hot Chocolate Recipe.

This year-round recipe is the coziest, simplest, and tastiest you will ever find. Turn today into a cozy or fun day with this quick & delicious Puerto Rican hot chocolate recipe.

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Table of Contents

1 Quick & Delicious Puerto Rican Hot Chocolate Recipe.

1.1 Where it all started.

1.2 What you need.

1.3 How to make it.

1.4 There is your quick and delicious Puerto Rican hot chocolate!

2 Quick & Delicious Puerto Rican Hot Chocolate Recipe

Where it all started.

As a kid living in the Caribbean, having experienced hardly any cold days, you would think hot chocolate was not something that crossed my mind… but that is not true. I have always loved hot chocolate, especially the one my abuela makes because it has that sweetness and frothiness that I did not get with other hot chocolates. One day I decided to ask her how she made it, and when I watched how simple the process was, I was shocked because she only uses three ingredients, and it is so simple! Yet there is nothing else like it.

The not-so-secret ingredient in Puerto Rico’s chocolate caliente (hot cocoa) is Cortés’ chocolate bars. Made with cacao from the Caribbean, Chocolate Cortés is silky and sweet, with less calories and fat than regular hot chocolate. A nice plus if you ask me. 😉 The Cortés family has been established since the 1920’s and it did not take long for those decadent bars to become a staple in homes all over Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

I will say, this delicious hot chocolate brings back all the nostalgia from home while in the United States and is definitely sweeter in those cold winter nights and Christmas eve. It is perfect any time of year, but it becomes special over the holidays for sure.

What you need.

To make this quick and delicious Puerto Rican hot chocolate, you need 7 ounces of Chocolate Cortés. I used the chocobar Cortés for this recipe, but you can use the ground version instead. It is even easier and faster that way, but I prefer the texture of the bars. Depending on where you are, you might not be able to go to the store and buy Chocolate Cortés. However, you can find it online via Chocolate Cortés or even on Amazon or Walmart.

The rest of the ingredients are milk (skim, whole or whichever type of milk you prefer), some water (optional), and your favorite cheese. Yes, cheese! That may seem strange, but cheese in hot chocolate is the best part! I highly recommend you use Edam cheese, Gouda, or mild cheddar (in that order) cut into thick strips or cubes.

The hot chocolate is served with cheese at the bottom of the cup. It gives the chocolate an extra punch of flavor, and then you get to scoop out the deliciously melted cheese. YUM. Oh, and do not forget the soft bread or a favorite pastry on the side. So good!

As far as equipment is concerned, all you need is a spoon or spoonula, and a small saucepan. If you are doubling or tripling the recipe for a crowd, then I recommend a large or medium pot. It all depends on how much you make.

Also, some people like to use a cup of water instead of milk, and that is okay, too. You can always add cream, creamer or whatever you prefer. I do recommend trying it with skim or whole milk first. It does a great job adding to the silkiness and fullness of the chocolate.

Lastly, if you want to add extra spices such as a cinnamon stick, vanilla extract, whipped cream, or toppings (like marshmallows), you are more than welcome to. This is the kind or recipe that is great for winding down and relaxing on a Friday night or to enjoy with the kids after school. It can be as simple or complex as you want it to be. Make it your own!

How to make it.

Once you have your ingredients, set your stove to medium heat. Add a few tablespoons of milk to the saucepan, and your chocolate bars on top. The ratio of milk to chocolate is 1:1. You need one chocolate bar per cup of milk, which makes one serving. If you are making two cups, add a bit of milk then two bars to the pot.

Lower the heat and stir the chocolate to allow it to melt. Once the chocolate bars are completely melted and have that silky look, add the rest of your milk. Increase heat slightly.

Continue to stir occasionally until the chocolate and milk look infused. At this point, you can taste your chocolate (carefully), and if you want to add any spices or sugar, you may do so.

Bring the hot chocolate to a simmer for 2-3 minutes and once you begin to see froth on top, that is your queue for serving.

Cut your cheese into little cubes or pieces, and place a few in each mug where the hot chocolate will go. Then, slowly pour the hot chocolate into each mug. You can add whipped cream or marshmallows if you like, too!

There is your quick and delicious Puerto Rican hot chocolate!

Regardless of temperature or weather conditions, hot chocolate is a favorite in Puerto Rican homes and this one, I know will be a hit in your home, too. We love it almost as much as we do coffee! Speaking of, if you have yet to try authentic Puerto Rican café con leche, check out my Traditional Puerto Rican Coffee 3 Ways Recipe. Easy and perfect for any time of the day!

I hope you enjoyed your cup of hot chocolate! Let me know if you made it differently and how you and your family or friends liked it. Feel free to share pictures, too. 😊

¡Buen provecho from The Happy Wookiee!