Split Bean Coffee Marshmalows Featured in The Oregonian

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Tuesday, January 03, 2006
CHERI SWOBODA

The holiday frenzy is finally over. Now's the time to curl up in front of the fire with a best-seller and a steaming cup of cocoa. And while you could easily make a watery mug of Swiss Miss, we think you've earned a cup of gourmet hot chocolate.

We found an entire cookbook devoted to the topic, plus two brands of rich European cocoa, and even handmade marshmallows. And just in case you feel guilty about the calories, remember that chocolate is rich in antioxidants and will keep you from noshing on leftover Christmas cookies.

The rich are different From southern Germany comes Schokinag European Drinking Chocolate. This line of artisan hot chocolate includes Extreme Dark, with 79 percent cacao, and Triple Chocolate, with dark and milk chocolate microchips dusted with cocoa powder. Both are easy to prepare in the microwave oven, using milk instead of water. $12.95 for a 12-ounce can at Strohecker's, Whole Foods and Wizer's (not all flavors available at each store) or www.drinkyourchocolate.com.

Bar none Traditional Spanish hot chocolate is made with a touch of cinnamon. Blanxart Chocolate Canela a la Taza comes in a bar that you break into squares and melt in simmering milk. It's a thick, rich treat ideal for sipping or for dipping with cookies or pastries. $5.95 for 7-ounce bar at Sur La Table.

Pour it onThe secret to creamy hot chocolate is to use milk instead of water. Le Creuset Hot Chocolate Pot is made with enameled cast-iron, which warms the milk slowly to avoid scalding. A handy spout makes it easy to pour hot chocolate -- or spiced wine or cider -- into your cup. $99 for 1 1/2-quart with lid at Williams-Sonoma.

Beyond s'mores Handmade marshmallows from Split Bean Coffee have a delicate flavor and melt in your mouth. Your gourmet brew deserves nothing less. They come in vanilla and assorted flavors, including watermelon, banana, coconut, strawberry and cherry. $6.95 for 8 ounces and $12.95 for 16 ounces at www.splitbeancoffee.com.

Haute stuffWho knew there were so many ways to make cocoa? Michael Turback's "Hot Chocolate" (Ten Speed Press, $9.95, 150 pages) offers 60 unique recipes flavored with intriguing ingredients such as cayenne, paprika, vanilla bean and peppermint oil. We dare you to resist Samuel Adams Adult Hot Chocolate, Mocha Voodoo or Hungarian Heat. The book also covers ingredients, tools and techniques.

These items may also be available in stores other than those listed.
Cheri Swoboda: 503-221-8377; cheriswoboda@news. oregonian.com