Colombians' Favorite Cheese To Pair With Hot Chocolate

In Colombia, it is customary to add cubes of cheese to hot chocolate. This combination, known as chocolate santafereño or chocolate caliente con queso, is often served with bread for dipping. While it may seem unusual, the addition of cheese enhances the flavour of the chocolate, creating a delightful blend of sweet and salty tastes. The type of cheese used can vary, but traditionally, Colombians use queso campesino, queso doble crema, or queso Oaxaca. However, other options such as mozzarella, halloumi, or queso de freir can also be used. This unique pairing is a beloved tradition in Colombia, often enjoyed during breakfast or as an evening snack.

Colombian hot chocolate is made with water, not milk

Colombian hot chocolate, or "Chocolate Santafereño", is made with water instead of milk. The hot chocolate is made using a dark unsweetened chocolate bar like Luker or Corona, heated with a pinch of cinnamon and cloves. Sugar is added to taste. The drink is made in a "chocolatera" and frothed using a "molinillo", although a saucepan and whisk or frother can be used instead. Colombian hot chocolate has a stronger and more complex flavour than American hot chocolate and is less sweet.

The cheese used in this pairing is traditionally "Queso Colombiano", but alternatives include halloumi, queso de freir, Oaxaca cheese, or a firm mozzarella. The cheese is cut into cubes and placed in the cup before the hot chocolate is poured in and left to melt. The salty, melted cheese is then eaten with a spoon, in between sips of hot chocolate.

The chocolate is dark and unsweetened

Colombian hot chocolate, or "Chocolate Santafereño", is a unique beverage that combines dark, unsweetened chocolate with the salty, creamy goodness of melted cheese. This traditional treat is typically prepared with a chocolatera (a small metal pitcher) and a molinillo (a wooden whisk) to create a frothy, indulgent drink.

The chocolate used in this Colombian speciality is notably dark and unsweetened, contributing to a more intense and less sugary flavour profile compared to American hot chocolate. By using a dark, bitter chocolate as the base, the drink takes on a more complex character that balances the addition of cheese.

The process of preparing the hot chocolate involves melting the chocolate bar in water or milk, along with a pinch of cinnamon and cloves, to create a rich, aromatic mixture. This forms the foundation of the drink, providing a strong chocolate flavour that can stand up to the addition of cheese.

When it comes to the cheese, various types can be used, including mozzarella, Oaxaca cheese, Swiss cheese, or Queso Colombiano. The cheese is cut into small cubes and added to the hot chocolate, melting into gooey, stringy goodness. The salty, creamy cheese pairs surprisingly well with the bittersweet hot chocolate, creating a delightful contrast of flavours and textures.

The combination of dark, unsweetened chocolate and salty cheese in Colombian hot chocolate makes it a unique and indulgent experience. It's a testament to the creativity and culinary traditions of Colombia, offering a twist on the classic hot chocolate that's worth exploring for any adventurous foodie.

The cheese is usually mozzarella

Mozzarella is a good choice because it is mild in flavour and melts easily. It also has a high fat content, which makes it creamy and helps to thicken the hot chocolate. When melted, mozzarella becomes gooey and stringy, making it perfect for dipping.

To make Colombian hot chocolate with cheese, start by heating milk or water in a saucepan. Add dark or bittersweet chocolate, cinnamon, and cloves, stirring until the chocolate is melted and combined with the liquid. Bring the mixture to a low boil, then pour it into mugs containing cubes of mozzarella cheese. Allow the cheese to melt for a few minutes before serving.

The resulting drink is a unique combination of salty and sweet, with a rich, creamy texture. It is a well-loved tradition in Colombia, often enjoyed for breakfast or as an evening snack.

The cheese is melted in the hot chocolate

Colombian hot chocolate with cheese, or "Chocolate Santafereño", is a traditional delicacy in Colombia. The drink is made by melting cheese in hot chocolate, resulting in a unique combination of sweet and salty flavours.

To make Colombian hot chocolate with cheese, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Dark or bittersweet chocolate
• Milk or water
• Spices such as cinnamon and cloves
• Sugar to taste
• White melting cheese such as mozzarella, Oaxaca cheese, Swiss cheese, halloumi, queso de freir, or a firm white cheese

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to prepare it:

• Prepare the hot chocolate by heating milk or water in a saucepan or a traditional Colombian chocolatera (a small metal pitcher).
• Add the chocolate and spices to the liquid and stir using a molinillo (a wooden whisk) or a regular whisk to create a frothy texture.
• Turn off the heat and cut the cheese into small cubes.
• Place the cheese cubes in your mug, and pour the hot chocolate over them.
• Allow the cheese to melt for about a minute.
• Serve with a spoon and enjoy the sweet and salty combination.

The cheese will melt partially in the hot chocolate, creating a gooey and stringy texture. The salty cheese pairs perfectly with the bittersweet hot chocolate, making it a comforting and indulgent treat.

While the traditional Colombian method uses specific tools and ingredients, you can make this drink your own by experimenting with different types of cheese and spices. So, get creative and enjoy a unique taste of Colombia in your own home!

It's a comforting, nostalgic drink

There's a saying in Colombia: "chocolate sin queso es como amor sin beso", which means "chocolate without cheese is like love without a kiss". For many Colombians, the combination of hot chocolate and cheese is a comforting, nostalgic drink that evokes strong feelings of home and family.

The tradition of adding cheese to hot chocolate may seem unusual to those outside of Colombia, but it is a well-loved custom that has been passed down through generations. The drink, known as "Chocolate Santafereño" or "chocolate completo" when served with bread for dipping, is made with dark chocolate, cinnamon, and cloves, creating a rich and complex flavour profile. The addition of cheese enhances the taste experience by providing a mild salty contrast to the sweetness of the chocolate.

Preparing and drinking Colombian hot chocolate is a ritual in itself. The chocolate is traditionally melted in a "chocolatera" (a bulbous jug) along with milk and water, and whisked with a "molinillo" to create a frothy texture. The hot chocolate is then poured into mugs containing cubes of cheese, which slowly melt and release their salty flavour into the drink. The act of sipping the hot chocolate and scooping out bites of melted cheese is a comforting and indulgent experience.

For Colombians, this drink is often associated with childhood memories and family gatherings. It is commonly enjoyed during the holidays, as a nightly treat, or as a comforting pick-me-up on cold days. The unique combination of sweet and salty flavours creates a sense of warmth and satisfaction that is both physically and emotionally nourishing.

The specific type of cheese used can vary, but traditionally it is a firm white cheese such as queso campesino, queso doble crema, queso Oaxaca, or even mozzarella. The cheese is chosen for its ability to melt slowly and add a creamy, salty element to the drink.

The ritual of preparing and savouring Colombian hot chocolate with cheese is about more than just the taste; it is a cultural experience that connects Colombians to their heritage and evokes feelings of comfort and nostalgia. It is a reminder that sometimes the most unexpected combinations can create the most delightful and memorable experiences.

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