Dessert

Chocolat (2000) – Hot Chocolate

A Heartwarming Tale of Love, Freedom, and Temptation

Chocolat is a 2000 film directed by Lasse Hallström and starring Juliette Binoche, Johnny Depp, and Judi Dench. The movie is based on the novel of the same name by Joanne Harris and tells the story of a single mother named Vianne Rocher who opens a chocolate shop in a small French village.

One of the most memorable scenes in the film is the one where Vianne serves a cup of her homemade hot chocolate to a skeptical townswoman named Armande Voizin, played by Judi Dench. Armande is initially resistant to the idea of trying Vianne’s hot chocolate, but she eventually relents and takes a sip. As she does, she is overcome with emotion and memories of her childhood flood back to her.

The hot chocolate that Vianne serves is not just any ordinary hot chocolate. It is a rich and decadent concoction that is made with high-quality cocoa, real vanilla, and a touch of chili powder. Vianne takes great care in making the hot chocolate, and the love and passion that she puts into it are evident in every sip.

The scene is a testament to the power of food to evoke emotions and memories. The taste and aroma of Vianne’s hot chocolate transport Armande back to her childhood, and she is able to relive happy memories that had long been forgotten.

But the scene is also about more than just food. It is about the power of connection and community. As Armande drinks the hot chocolate, she begins to open up to Vianne and share her story. She tells Vianne about her estranged daughter and the pain that she feels over their broken relationship. Vianne listens with compassion and understanding, and the two women form a bond that will help them both heal.

In many ways, the scene is a microcosm of the entire film. Chocolat is about the power of food to bring people together and bridge divides. It is about the importance of community and the ways in which small acts of kindness can have a profound impact on people’s lives.

In conclusion, the scene with the hot chocolate in Chocolat is a powerful moment in a film that is all about the transformative power of food. It is a testament to the idea that food is more than just sustenance – it is a means of connection, memory, and of healing. And it is a reminder that sometimes, the simplest things – like a cup of hot chocolate – can have the most profound effects.

How to prepare an Heartwarming Hot Chocolate

Course: DessertDifficulty: X

Hot chocolate, also known as cocoa, is a beloved beverage that has been enjoyed for centuries. While the exact origins of hot chocolate are unknown, it is believed to have originated in Mesoamerica, where the Aztecs and Mayans consumed a bitter beverage made from ground cocoa beans mixed with water, chili peppers, and other spices.
When the Spanish conquered Mesoamerica in the 16th century, they brought cocoa beans back to Europe. The Europeans soon began adding sugar and milk to the bitter cocoa beverage, making it a much more palatable drink. Hot chocolate became particularly popular in Spain and was served in special chocolate houses.
By the 17th century, hot chocolate had spread throughout Europe and had become a favorite among the wealthy. It was often served in silver or porcelain cups and was a luxurious treat reserved for special occasions.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, hot chocolate began to be produced on a larger scale and became more affordable. It also became a popular beverage in America, particularly during the colonial period.
Today, hot chocolate is enjoyed all over the world and is available in a variety of forms, from instant packets to gourmet blends made with high-quality cocoa beans.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups milk

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

  • 8 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

  • Pinch of cayenne pepper

Directions

  • In a large saucepan, heat the milk and cream over medium heat until just simmering.
  • Add the chopped chocolate to the saucepan and whisk until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
  • Stir in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and cayenne pepper.
  • Heat the mixture until it is hot but not boiling, whisking occasionally.
  • Pour the hot chocolate into cups and serve immediately.
  • Optional: For an extra decadent touch, you can top the hot chocolate with whipped cream or marshmallows.

Recipe Video

Notes

  • Who knew chocolate could be so powerful? It made Judi Dench break her Lenten vow and inspired a whole town to go against their morals!
  • The movie should come with a warning label: “May cause intense chocolate cravings and a desire to move to a quaint French village.”
  • Johnny Depp’s character Roux is basically the human version of a chocolate truffle – irresistibly attractive and a little bit dangerous.
  • If you watch this movie on an empty stomach, you’re in for a dangerous game of “Will I cave and order takeout halfway through?”