Friday, January 28, 2011

MOCHA RUSH


The Northern Italians know the best way to manage a cold winter's day is to tuck into a unique drink called a bicerin (pronounced "beet-chureen").  Named for the small glass it's served in, this delicious drink has just three ingredients: thick hot chocolate, hot espresso and cool heavy cream, beautifully layered in a glass. I first had bicerin on a skiing trip to Cortina several years ago. Local cafes served small glasses of the decadent hot chocolate in the late afternoon. After a day of skiing, the rich drink really hit the spot. 

After our latest snowstorm yesterday, I decided that it's the perfect time for a glass of bicerin. Ciao!

Bicerin
Two servings

It’s important to use a clear glass; you need to be able to see all three layers.
To make a bicerin, warm one cup (250 ml) whole milk in a medium-sized saucepan with 3 ounces (90 gr) of chopped bittersweet or semisweet chocolate. Whisk the mixture until it begins to boil, then let it boil for 1 minute, whisking constantly (the chocolate mixture will foam up a bit.)
Afterward, remove it from the heat and set aside. Make a small pot of very strong coffee, or good Italian espresso.

Fill the bottom third of a clear, heat-proof glass with the warm chocolate mixture. Pour in some coffee or espresso. (If you want to help it create a definite layer, pour it over the back of a spoon, into the glass.)
Top with a nice swirl of sweetened, freshly-whipped cream.

16 comments:

Stacey said...

Awww, i could use a bicerin now! I lived in northern Itlay(Vicenza), and i miss the days of visiting the cafes (within walking distance of where i lived) for a cappucino and sometimes even a bicerin. Happy weekend to you! XX

Kim@Chattafabulous said...

Hey, that looks good! Luckily we are supposed to hit the upper 50's on Saturday with sunshine. Finally...

Splendid Sass said...

This sounds amazing, Barbara. As a hot chocolate and coffee drinker, I am game for this drink.
Thank you for sharing.
Teresa
xoxo

Town and Country House said...

I'm looking forward to trying this!

I Dream Of said...

Looks delicious! Hope you have a warm and cozy weekend.
Jeanne

jeanette from everton terrace said...

I would love this without the coffee which I suppose means it would be a hot chocolate but it's the cup that makes the name right?

Kelly Frances Dunn said...

I am going to rush out get something similar with the hubs very soon. I have to get off this computer and get dressed before that can happen. I am completely indulging in the fact it's FRIDAY! Woo hoo XOXO Kel

Unknown said...

Hot chocolate, espresso and whipped cream. Sounds like the best way to warm up!!

xo E

Lauren said...

This sounds incredible, I'll take three!

Anne said...

Divinity in a glass!!

red ticking said...

wow... i am so behind on my fav reads... LOVE your new blog header... design... fabulous!!!

oh and the mocha... looks amazing too!

happy weekend sweet friend..xoxo

Party Resources said...

I need one of these right now - I can barely see over the snow drifts outside my windows! xx

Casa Très Chic said...

It looks delicious, but, I'm in Brasil and it's so hot here lately, I must save this recipe for colder days.
Hugs
Tereza

Anonymous said...

Oh my, bicerin and Italian hot chocolate are so sinful, they are out of this world with their thick, bittersweet gloopiness.

Unknown said...

Oh, this drink sounds lovely! I was in Rome for the first time this past November and I cannot wait to return and of course, visit the rest of the country.

quintessence said...

YUM!!! My kind of drink. I think I even have the perfect glasses for a round!!