Frederic Melton
The combination of cheese and chocolate may seem like an unusual pairing to some, but it is a well-loved tradition in Colombia. This unlikely duo, known as Chocolate Santafereño, involves melting cheese into hot chocolate, resulting in a salty and sweet flavour profile. The cheese used is typically a firm, mild, white cheese such as mozzarella, Oaxaca, or halloumi, which melts smoothly and adds a creamy texture to the drink. While this combination may have surprised many Americans on TikTok, it is a testament to the unique and delightful culinary creations that exist around the world.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | Colombia |
| Common name | Chocolate Santafereño |
| Type of chocolate | Dark or bittersweet |
| Type of cheese | Mozzarella, Oaxaca, Swiss, Halloumi, Queso Colombiano, or Queso de Freir |
| Additional ingredients | Cinnamon, cloves, sugar |
| Preparation method | Melting chocolate and spices into milk, adding cheese to the mug, and pouring the hot chocolate over it |
| Taste | Salty and sweet |
| Consistency | Thick and creamy |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
How to make Colombian hot chocolate with cheese
Colombian hot chocolate with cheese is a beloved tradition in Colombia, where it is known as "Chocolate sin queso es como amor sin beso" or "chocolate without cheese is like love without a kiss." The drink is made by melting chocolate into milk or water and adding cheese cubes to the bottom of the mug. The cheese melts into the hot chocolate, creating a thick and creamy drink with a hint of saltiness. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make this unique and delicious treat:
Ingredients:
- Milk or water
- Dark or bittersweet chocolate
- Sugar (optional)
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Firm, mild, white cheese such as mozzarella, halloumi, Oaxaca cheese, or queso de freir
Utensils:
- Saucepan or pot
- Whisk or molinillo (a traditional wooden whisk)
- Mug
Instructions:
- Heat your milk or water in a saucepan or pot over medium heat. You can use a whisk or a molinillo to stir constantly and create a frothy texture.
- Add the chocolate to the milk or water and stir until it is completely melted and combined. You can also add sugar, cinnamon, and cloves to taste.
- Turn off the heat and cut your cheese into small cubes. Place about 2.5 oz of cheese cubes into your mug.
- Carefully pour the hot chocolate into the mug and allow it to steep for about a minute. This will melt the cheese and allow the flavours to intermingle.
- Enjoy your Colombian hot chocolate with cheese! You can use a spoon to scoop out the melted cheese or simply sip the drink and enjoy the salty-sweet combination.
Note: Traditionally, Colombian hot chocolate with cheese is prepared in a chocolatera (a small metal pitcher) and frothed using a molinillo. However, these utensils may not be readily available outside of Colombia, so a saucepan and whisk can be used instead.
Cheese and Beans: Melting Mexican Style
You may want to see also
The best types of cheese to melt in hot chocolate
Although the idea of melting cheese in hot chocolate might seem strange, it is a common practice in Colombia, where they have enjoyed chunks of cheese in their cocoa for ages. The combination of rich, velvety chocolate and salty, melty cheese creates an irresistible flavour contrast.
When making chocolate con queso, it is important to note that not all cheeses will work in the drink. Mild, white cheeses are the go-tos, with common picks being queso doble crema, queso campesino, queso cuajada, or even a Mexican queso fresco. It is recommended to keep to firm, white cheeses such as Oaxaca, and mozzarella. You can also use Muenster or fresh mozzarella, which is stored in liquid and melts in puddles.
If you are looking for a Colombian-style cheese to melt in your hot chocolate, you might try Queso Compasigna, a rustic farmer's cheese. If you can't find this, look for a mild, meltable cheese like buffalo mozzarella, Chihuahua, or queso Oaxaca that will melt in the hot liquid without falling apart.
If you want to experiment with different types of chocolate, you might try a cayenne drinking chocolate, which brings a touch of heat that perfectly complements a young aged Manchego cheese (6 months). Alternatively, you could pair a gold drinking chocolate with triple cream cheese. Gold chocolate gets its natural pale amber hue from caramelized sugars and milk fat, giving it a unique caramelized chocolate taste with notes of rich toffee, butter, cream, and a hint of salt.
Mozzarella Cheese Balls: Melting Magic or Messy Mishap?
You may want to see also
The best types of chocolate to use
While the idea of adding cheese to hot chocolate may seem unusual, it is a well-loved tradition in Colombia, where they enjoy the combination of salty and sweet flavours. To make Colombian hot chocolate, it is recommended to use a bar of dark, unsweetened chocolate. However, milk chocolate can be used if a sweeter drink is desired. The chocolate is melted into water or milk over medium heat, and spices such as cinnamon or cloves can be added for extra flavour.
When choosing a cheese to pair with hot chocolate, it is important to select a variety that will melt smoothly and not clump at the bottom of the cup. Firm, white cheeses such as mozzarella, Oaxaca, or Swiss cheese are popular choices. These cheeses provide a salty contrast to the bittersweet chocolate, creating a unique and indulgent drinking experience.
When making hot chocolate without cheese, the quality of the chocolate is crucial. It is recommended to use real chopped chocolate instead of cocoa powder, as cocoa powder lacks the cocoa butter content necessary for a rich and creamy texture. Several brands are known for their high-quality chocolate suitable for hot chocolate, including Guittard, Callebaut, Scharffen Berger, Valhrona, and Ghirardelli. These brands offer a range of chocolate types, from dark to milk chocolate, allowing for personal preference and customization.
When preparing hot chocolate, it is essential to heat the milk gently without bringing it to a boil, as boiling can result in a grainy texture. Chopped chocolate can be melted directly into the milk, creating a smooth and creamy drink. For an extra indulgent touch, toppings such as marshmallows, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce can be added. Experimenting with different types of chocolate and adding flavours like peppermint extract or cayenne pepper can also enhance the drinking experience.
Go Veggie Cheese: Melting Capabilities Unveiled
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The ideal ratio of cheese to hot chocolate
When it comes to cheese, it's important to choose a variety that will melt smoothly into the hot chocolate without clumping or flaking. Firm, mild, meltable cheeses with a pleasant saltiness are ideal. Examples include mozzarella, Oaxaca, Chihuahua, Swiss, or queso compasigna, a rustic farmer's cheese commonly used in Colombia, where this unusual pairing is a beloved tradition. Other suitable cheeses include young Alpine, creamy chèvre, Gouda, blue cheese, and washed-rind cheeses. It's best to avoid pungent or strongly flavoured cheeses, as they can overwhelm the chocolate.
For the hot chocolate, the type of chocolate and the ratio of chocolate to milk can be adjusted to your taste. A darker, bittersweet chocolate is often used in Colombian hot chocolate, but milk chocolate can be used if a sweeter drink is desired. Chocolatier Maury Rubin estimates that most hot chocolate recipes consist of 20% chocolate, but he recommends increasing this ratio for a more indulgent experience. Jacques Torres, another chocolatier, uses 1 pound of powder to 1 quart of milk, adjusting the ratio to individual preference. At L.A. Burdick, a rich cup of hot chocolate is made with 2.8 to 3.3 chocolate ounces to 3/4 cup of milk.
To prepare the drink, start by melting the chocolate into water or milk over medium heat, stirring gently. If desired, add spices such as cinnamon or cloves, or a pinch of salt to enhance the flavour. Once the chocolate is melted, add the cheese cubes directly to the mug and pour the hot chocolate over them, allowing the cheese to melt. After a minute, the cheese will become gooey and stringy, creating a unique textural experience.
While the combination of cheese and hot chocolate may seem unconventional to some, it is a well-loved tradition in Colombia, where the interplay of salty and sweet flavours is celebrated. So, if you're feeling adventurous, give it a try and decide for yourself what the ideal ratio of cheese to hot chocolate truly is.
Ricotta Cheese on Pizza: Melting Mystery Solved!
You may want to see also
The history of adding cheese to hot chocolate
Adding cheese to hot chocolate may seem like an unusual combination to many, but it is a well-loved tradition in Colombia, where it is commonly consumed. This unique pairing is known as "Chocolate Santafereño" in Colombia, where it is believed that "Chocolate sin queso es como amor sin beso," which translates to "Chocolate without cheese is like love without a kiss."
While the exact origins of this practice are unclear, it is believed that the combination of cheese and chocolate provides a delightful clash of salty and sweet flavours that complement each other surprisingly well. The melted cheese also adds a creamy texture to the hot chocolate, making it even more indulgent and decadent.
The tradition of adding cheese to hot chocolate has been passed down through generations in Colombia, with many Colombians considering it a normal and integral part of their culinary culture. However, it gained wider attention when it sparked intrigue and controversy on social media platforms like TikTok and Reddit. Many users outside of Colombia expressed surprise and even disgust at the idea of combining cheese and hot chocolate, highlighting the cultural differences in culinary preferences.
Despite the initial skepticism, the combination of cheese and hot chocolate has intrigued adventurous foodies and curious taste-seekers. Some have embraced the challenge of finding the perfect balance of sweet and savoury, experimenting with different types of cheese and chocolate to create their own unique versions of this Colombian classic.
The Melting Point of Mozzarella: Perfect Temperature Range
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The pairing of cheese and chocolate creates a sweet-and-salty beverage that is quite common in Colombia. The cheese melts into the chocolate, making the drink extra thick and creamy with a hint of salt.
It is recommended to use a firm, white cheese such as mozzarella, Oaxaca, halloumi, or queso de freir. These cheeses melt well and add a subtle salty flavour to the drink.
To make Colombian hot chocolate with cheese, heat milk or water on a stove until warm, stirring constantly. Add chocolate and mix until melted. Add sugar, cinnamon, and cloves if desired. Pour the hot chocolate into a mug with cubes of cheese at the bottom and allow the cheese to melt before serving.
Yes, it is safe to consume melted cheese in hot chocolate as long as the cheese is properly melted and the hot chocolate is consumed while still hot.
The taste of hot chocolate with melted cheese has been described as a unique combination of salty and sweet. The cheese adds a subtle saltiness and a creamy texture to the rich, bittersweet chocolate.
