George's Hot Chocolat Royale

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Thank you in advance for supporting your local station.

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Warning: Drinking hot cocoa in moderation may cause extreme amounts of happiness!


Chocolat L’Africain

In 1903, the Austrian confectioner Antoine Rumpelmayer established Angelina in France, named after his daughter-in-law. For over a century, this tearoom has been the reference for Parisian gourmet delicacies. Angelina became the meeting-place for the Parisian aristocracy. Proust, Coco Chanel and the major French fashion designers all crossed each others’ paths there.  It is the place to enjoy the famous Chocolat L’Africain (named after it’s Ivory Coast cacao beans) or aka, hot chocolate and the classical Mont Blanc gateau. With locations throughout France and three within Paris—the tea room close to the Louvre art museum, is a favorite venue of local Parisians and all chocolate lovers. Cafe Angelina's hot chocolate recipe is a highly kept national secret. I've offered you my recipe, which does come with a warning as it's no Swiss Miss.

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Good To Know:

Better tasting chocolate will contain at least 30-40% cacao. The percentage can be found on the label of all good quality chocolate.

George's Hot Chocolat Royale

Makes 4 small cups, or 2 large 

chefgeorgehirsch.com | George Hirsch Lifestyle 

1/2 cup whole milk

1/2 cup half and half

2 teaspoon confectioners’ sugar

6 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate- 40% cocoa, finely chopped

2 ounces milk chocolate, - 40% cocoa, finely chopped

1/2 cup fresh whipped cream

Optional: serve with a touch of cognac or brandy

Heat half of the milk, half and half, and sugar over medium high heat with chocolates stirring until chocolates are melted. Whisk the remaining milk and half and half until warmed and chocolate is completely smooth. Remove the pot from heat.

Pour into pre heated cups/bowls. Serve with a side of fresh whipped cream and optional cognac. 

PARIS Locations:

Angelina Rivoli

Opening hours: every day from 9:00a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Address: 226 rue de Rivoli, 75 001 Paris

Tel: +33 (0)1 42 60 82 00

Angelina Porte Maillot

Opening hours: every day from 9:00a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Address: Palais des Congrès, 2 place de la Porte Maillot, 75 017 Paris

Tel: +33 (0)1 40 68 22 50

Angelina Louvre

Opening hours: every day from 9:00a.m. to 6:00 p.m. except on Tuesday

Adress: Musée du Louvre, Aile Richelieu, 75 001 Paris

Tel : +33 (0)1 49 27 93 31

keeping peace with Irish Coffee

I had an enjoyable afternoon tea with fellow Create TV host and Ireland’s TV chef, cookbook author Rachael Allen of Ballymaloe. Rachel and I exchanged our foodie stories and the like beginnings in our culinary careers. She shared with me her simplistic approach to food. I can't agree more. We agree that most are learning from this approach; getting back to the roots of growing and eating locally grown foods. The thing is, this in nothing new in Ireland, in fact they never lost their connection to sustainability. 

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Chefs Rachael Allen and George Hirsch, Adair Manor, Adair Co. Limerick, Ireland However, one topic of discussion is as serious as rugby or politics. I asked just about every person I meet in Ireland which brand of tea they preferred better, Lyons or Barry's. Barry's seemed to hold the lead during our filming. But then upon departure at Irish Customs I was told I was bringing home the wrong brand. They preferred Lyons. I can't be swayed, Barry's fan here.

So in keeping peace let’s drink Irish Coffee, a warming beverage on a chilly evening. Served first to arriving passengers in County Limerick, what is now Shannon International Airport. Ideal served with a slice of Chocolate Torta from George Hirsch Lifestyle. Sláinte! 

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Irish Coffee

Makes one serving

chefgeorgehirsch.com | from George Hirsch Lifestyle

1 ounce Jameson Irish Whiskey

1/2 ounce Baileys Irish Cream

1/2 cup hot strong coffee

Lemon wedge

Sugar to coat glass

Whipped cream

Prepare a sugar-rimmed glass by rubbing a piece of lemon or orange around the rim of a large wine glass. Dip 1/4 inch of the rim of the glass into a plate of sugar, coating the edge.

Place a teaspoon in glass. The spoon will diffuse the heat when hot coffee is poured into the glass. 

Add whiskey and Baileys. Pour coffee into glass over spoon. Remove spoon. Top with a dollop of whipped cream.