Summertime Chocolate Delight: Three Irresistible Recipes to Enjoy Chocolate in Summertime

Chocolate is not just something to be enjoyed in winter. Even in summer, this delicacy can be a refreshing part of your diet. Today, I bring you three recipes perfect for hot days: a cold chocolate drink, a homemade chocolate ice cream and a chocolate slushie. Plus, you’ll find out why the “bean to bar” method is still important this season.

Benefits of Bean to Bar

The “bean to bar” movement focuses on the quality and traceability of chocolate. Chocolatiers who follow this process control every stage of production, from the selection of the cocoa beans to the production of the final bar. Why is this beneficial?

  1. Superior Quality: Both farmers and chocolatiers are concerned about the quality of the material they are working with. Farmers, on the one hand, cultivate the most aromatic varieties of cocoa and chocolatiers work to enhance the intrinsic natural aromas of cocoa, which ultimately results in a better quality and flavor chocolate.
  2. Sustainability: This method often supports sustainable and environmentally friendly agroforestry practices. In addition, farmers receive a fair trade for all the hard work that goes into growing good cocoa, benefiting both producers and the environment.
  3. Transparency: Knowing where your chocolate comes from and how it is produced offers a deeper connection and appreciation for the product. Our responsibility as bean to bar chocolatiers is to be able to offer full traceability of our quintessential raw material and tell the story of the farmers, beyond being able to offer a quality bean that has been responsibly grown.
Bean to bar chocolate bar

So if you are going to eat chocolate, why not do it with an excellent quality cocoa that is also grown in a sustainable and respectful way with the planet and the people who grow it? (thus avoiding the heat waves we are having).

Now, let’s get down to business! Here are three recipes that will make you enjoy chocolate even on the hottest days.

Cold chocolate recipes for the summer

1. Cold Chocolate Drink

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. Heat the water or milk in a saucepan over medium heat until hot but not boiling.
  2. Add the cocoa or chopped chocolate and stir until the water or milk boils.
  3. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. You can also put it in the refrigerator once the steam is gone.
  4. Once cold, add ice and mix well.
  5. Serve in a tall glass and enjoy this refreshing and tasty drink.
Cold chocolate

2. Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. We are going to add the whipping cream and beat it well so that it whips. Remember that the cream must be cold for this.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix the condensed milk, chocolate, cocoa powder and water, beat the egg yolks with the sugar until a homogeneous mixture is obtained.
  3. Gently mix the mixture until it is a homogeneous mass.
  4. Once the cream has whipped, slowly add the mixture we have made with the whipped cream.
  5. Make sure with a spatula that the ingredients are properly mixed.
  6. Place the mixture in a container and put it in the freezer for at least 6 hours.
  7. Enjoy a creamy and delicious chocolate ice cream.
Chocolate ice cream

Chocolate Slush

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, mix the water, sugar and cocoa powder.
  2. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar and cocoa are completely dissolved. Add the vanilla or vanilla stick if you like.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil and then remove the cinnamon and vanilla from the heat.
  4. Let cool to room temperature and then refrigerate until well chilled.
  5. Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 2 hours, stirring with a fork every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals.
  6. Serve in glasses and enjoy this refreshing and light slush.
Chocolate on ice

Conclusion

Chocolate is a pleasure that knows no season. Whether you opt for a cold drink, a creamy ice cream or a refreshing slushie, these recipes will allow you to enjoy chocolate even on the hottest summer days. Plus, by choosing bean-to-bar chocolate, you’re not only treating yourself to superior taste, you’re also supporting all the people who have grown and processed good cocoa, as well as supporting sustainable and ethical practices. And remember, if you want to know more about cocoa and bean to bar chocolate, we are waiting for you at Kina Chocolates.

Cheers to a summer full of delicious chocolate surprises!

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