Millennium Mochacinno

Sister-in-Law #1 comes to visit from Thursday. Sister-in-Law #1 says she does not drink coffee and that I’ll have to come good to entice her or figure out some tasty alternative. I think Sister-in-Law #1 needs to have a taste of a good cappuccino. She is, after all, the reason Silvia is even in my possession. If you ever need to pack large items but have limited space, give her a call. Somehow she managed to get Silvia and Gaggia into suitcases and well within weight limits. Santa’s packers ain’t got nothing on her!

Anyway, in honour of the impending visit I’ve started practicing some alternative drinks. These drinks will still contain some coffee/ espresso but in lower quantities. Today’s alternative drink was Susan Zimmer's Millennium Mochaccino. The drink starts with hot, fresh espresso. (I pulled the poor neglected Moka Pot out of storage for this one). Unsweetened chocolate, water, sugar and cinnamon are added; and the mélange is gently simmered until the chocolate is completely melted. To complete this calorie heavy splurge, a healthy dose of whole milk is added for colour and creaminess. You can top the Millennium Mochacinno with whipped cream if your heart so desires and your waistline is objection free. I topped mine with foamed milk and a cinnamon stick!

Taste: rich and creamy but not overpowering, lightly coffee flavoured and not too sweet. The cinnamon aroma and flavour added a calorie-free pinch of decadence. I definitely prefer this drink over the über-rich and creamy Bicerin.

Sister-in-Law should be pleased.

Oh Moka Pot I have not forgotten you.

Faithfully bubbling away

  Finished product       

Finished

Bicerin

A new week and a new drink! I decided to set the cappuccino aside this afternoon and try out a new drink. I was feeling for something chocolatey and decadent so the Bicerin was a natural choice. This traditional hot drink from Turin, Italy is made up of three intense layers. Layer 1 is made up of wickedly rich semi-sweet cocoa melted into hot milk. Layer 2 is espresso and Layer 3 is made up of slightly sweetened whipped cream (or foamed milk).  Mmmmmmmmmmm........


Reactions: This drink is sinfully rich and thick when made with whipped cream- I may have to try it with the foamed milk instead to ease up on my after dinner calorie intake. Mother-in-Law absolutely loved it! Husband was a bit shocked by the combined hit of the chocolate and double espresso. Husband’s friend certainly appreciated the cocoa and its South American origins.

Not a bad first attempt at all. I just need to work on my timing. Between melting the chocolate, whipping the cream, pulling the double shots and building the drink, I managed to while away a good 45 minutes!

Enjoy the pics below. The first is of a ‘professional’ Bicerin and the second is my own creation.

Courtesy HafifTarif.com

courtesy KimmyDe