Fall walks in the National Park behind my home always stimulate a powerful thirst. Is it the crispness of the air? Or perhaps the feeling of the change in the seasons? Whatever we say is the true reason for thirst, may it be the warming sensation of a hot liquid filling the stomach with heat…. or perhaps we just like to drink something with a little “kick” —– oh, that is the ticket.
In front of me at this early hour of the morning is a container of Single Origin Natural Cocoa from Askinosie chocolates. Several months ago I met the fine folks who own this artisan chocolate company at the Fancy Food Show, held every year at the Javitts Center in NYC. Initially I was not going to stop and taste their wares, but there was something about the way they smiled when I inquired about the provenance of their chocolates that drew me in. They offered to “taste” me through their line and I learned much about equity in the chocolate producing regions and their ethos. On the container sitting in front of me it reads: Use for baking during peace negotiations. They also printed on the label, “a Stake in the Outcome” meaning that they guarantee to their farmers more than fair prices, open books and a share in their success. This meant something to me and I wanted to share that energy.
Hot Chocolate for a cold day.
2 Ounces of Single Origin Hot Chocolate from Askinosie (or your choice)
2 shots Root-The USDA Certified Organic Neutral Spirits with North American Herbs and Pure Cane Sugar
1 shot Branca Menta Amaro (super intense mint liquor from Milano, Italy)
freshly whipped cream
(there REALLY is no substitute for the real whipped cream, throw out those cans of chemical fluff the food technologists call whipped cream)
Prepare a mug with boiling water to heat through and through.
Pour out the water, the mug should be really hot.
Add Branca Menta, then the Root liquor, then top with Hot Chocolate-finish with a large spoonful of freshly whipped cream.. scrape some fresh nutmeg over the top and reflect on your fine manners by offering your friend a cup.
Thanks Art in the Age for linking to me… http://www.artintheage.com/blog/root-hot-chocolate-from-wild-river-review/
….. sip and enjoy! and play the appropriate music!
Wild River Review contributing editor, Warren Bobrow grew up on a farm in Morristown, NJ. A graduate of Emerson College with a degree in Film, he spent his senior year of college as a research assistant in visual thinking at The Center for Advanced Visual Studies at MIT. He worked for many years in the corporate world.
His column on food, wine and life, Wild Table appears daily in the online magazine, Wild River Review. In addition to Wild River Review, Warren writes for NJMYWay.com and SLOWFOODNNJ.org. He has upcoming work in Edible Jersey Magazine on the topic of Biodynamic Wine and a piece in the Oxford Encyclopedia of Food and Drink in America. Ed., 2., and NJ Savvy Living. Please follow his moving about and drinkin’ ’round on Twitter @ jockeyhollow.
You can support Warren’s work on Wild River Review, and his column, Wild Table by making a donation: Wild River Review, PO Box 53, Stockton, NJ 08559. Wild River Review is an international website and 501c3 non-profit organization so your donation may be tax deductible. Please put Wild Bite in the subject line. Thank you!
Is it mint, or is it Root Tea?Comment by warren — October 20, 2009 @ 10:15 pm