There’s nothing better than wrapping your hands around a warm mug of French chocolat chaud when winter’s chill sets in. Rich, velvety, and indulgent, this drink is elevated when made with premium products from Isigny Sainte-Mère, a French dairy cooperative renowned for over a century of exceptional craftsmanship.
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About Isigny Sainte-Mère
Founded in 1909, Isigny Sainte-Mère is more than a dairy brand—it’s a testament to the rich heritage of French cheesemaking, butter, and cream production. Nestled in France’s dairy center—Normandy—they benefit from the region’s fertile soil, coastal climate, and lush green pastures, producing butter and cream with unrivaled quality. Their products are celebrated across the globe, making them a favorite for both home cooks and professionals.
Hot chocolate ingredients
This hot chocolate recipe uses just a few high-quality ingrédients to create a heavenly drink:
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le chocolat noir et le chocolat au lait / dark and milk chocolate. We recommend bars from Valrhona, a top French chocolate maker.
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le lait entier / whole milk
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la crème fraîche / thick dairy cream from Isigny Sainte-Mère. Many English speakers say “crème fraîche.” This crème fraîche adds richness and a velvety texture. You can substitute with heavy cream if you can’t find crème fraîche.
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la vanille / vanilla
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le beurre doux / unsalted butter from Isigny Sainte-Mère. A small amount enhances the texture and flavor of the hot chocolate.
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le sel Maldon / Maldon salt
- la crème fouettée / vanilla whipped cream from Isigny Sainte-Mère. The perfect topping! Check out our sidebar below for more info!
Watch our video to see how we make a delicious cup of hot chocolate 😋🍫 |
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Want the full recipe?
Click below to download the free PDF including all the measurements and instructions.
A note on crème fouettée (whipped cream)
With a feather-like texture and subtle sweetness due to Madagascan vanilla, Isigny Sainte-Mère whipped cream is a luscious topping to any dessert—especially a cup of hot chocolate. Feel free to use however much you like in your mug!
Whipped cream has a fascinating history, with records of sweetened "milk snow” dating back to 16th-century Italy and 17th-century France, where it was referred to as neige de lait. Known as crème fouettée in French (the French verb for “to whip” is fouetter), it gained prominence in royal European courts.
The modern technique for creating whipped cream—using a whisk or a siphon—has evolved since its early days, when it was beaten by hand to incorporate air into heavy cream. Whipped cream’s ethereal texture and versatility have made it an enduring element in desserts worldwide. In addition to hot chocolate, it’s a popular topping on fruit, ice cream, apple tarts, and chocolate cake.
Enjoyed alone or shared with loved ones, this French hot chocolate will brighten any winter day. And don’t forget—the key to a good drink starts with quality ingredients, which is why we recommend Isigny Sainte-Mère for an authentic, delicious experience.
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