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A Chocolatier Guide to Luxury Hot Chocolate In this article we will share our best Luxury Hot Chocolate Recipes! Melt Chocolates is an artisan chocolate boutique based in Notting Hill London, and our ethos is to teach people to enjoy chocolate in its purest form. This includes hot chocolate! As we move swiftly into the cold months of November and December, we enter a new, cosier phase of living. One which centers around warmth, comfort and happiness. As the leaves turn golden and the days grow darker, we take harbour from the crisp winter air in small cafes filled with the smell of hot chocolate and cakes. You can’t beat that feeling of contentment, when you hold that warm mug of hot chocolate, the steam curling onto your face, as you sit wrapped up in a blanket watching the cold wind blow outside. This feeling is defined by Scandanavian people as ‘Hygge‘. Though it has no direct translation, we can better understand Hygge as a concept with key features or practices. Some of the ways to experience hygge is to light soft atmospheric candles, sit under a warm blanket with a book, and to enjoy a hot drink and a sweet treat! The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking found that the number 1 thing that Danes associate hygge with was hot drinks. So we want to share our best luxury hot chocolate recipes so that you can recreate that perfect hot chocolate café moment at home with your friends and family. The Key to Any Luxury Hot Chocolate: Chocolate The key to a delicious hot chocolate is the chocolate! In our luxury hot chocolate recipes we use pure chocolate – not cocoa powder or hot chocolate mixtures. Make sure you choose high quality solid chocolate. We would recommend choosing any chocolate over 35%. Anything below and it risks your hot chocolate just becoming too sugary. Also good quality chocolate melts at body temperature. If you held one button of dark chocolate and one white chocolate button in the palm of your hand, the dark would melt first. So when you’re making hot chocolate, you want your chocolate to melt beautifully into the milk. So the higher the percentage on the chocolate (the darker it is) the better it is for hot chocolate! No Added Sugar We also believe in letting the chocolate flavours speak for itself, so in all of these recipes there is no added sugar. There is enough sugar in milk chocolate already to make the hot chocolate sweet! We like our hot chocolates to soothe rather than to excite, just like the hygge mentality. The feeling after drinking a hot chocolate should be peaceful, not a sugar rush! Though of course, each person is welcome to personalise these recipes as they wish! Adding some sweet whipped cream or marshmallows to make your hot chocolate perfect for you is encouraged. So, here are some simple recipes to inspire you to make the best hot chocolate you can: 1. The Fluffy Bunny Hot Chocolate: The Fluffy Bunny is the perfect hot chocolate for children, or for those of us who prefer the milkier, fluffier kinds of hot chocolate. This hot chocolate recipe […]

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Melt introduces our…NEW Log Cabin Advent Calendar Melt is proud to announce our newest addition to our Advent Calendar Collection 2024. The NEW Log Cabin Advent Calendar. In this blog we will take you through the story and inspiration behind this hand-painted advent calendar. Inspired by Colorado ranch houses and 500-year old swiss chalets, this log cabin is a loving dedication to the mountain lifestyle. Ralph Lauren Log Cabin Inspired At Melt, everything we do we want to exude style and beauty. Real luxury isn’t just a price, its a eye for the best there is. Hence when the Melt creative team was researching log cabins there was really only one that stood out beyond the rest. Ralph Lauren’s Colorado Ranch log cabin is the paradise only dreams could conjure… Real taste is hard to come by. Search up ‘luxury log cabins’ and these slick, shimmering-lighted kitchens with views over snowy-topped peaks appear. Ultimately they are void of the life that these mountain settings deserve. Mountains are rich with alpine culture, mineral-saturated streams, tales of wolves and fireplace community. The mountains are a place to loose yourself in the sublime, almost oppressive clench of rocks that stuns as much as it scares. A log cabin therefore should represent this feeling of awe and caution. There should be wide open windows to marvel at the view, yet simultaneously generous piles of logs to prepare for the winter cold. Ralph Lauren’s interiors are a perfect balance. Respecting the history and tradition of the place, while combining the luxurious elements of grand rooms, walk in showers and incredible design… In the House & Garden interview, it is observed that… “There are quilts and patchworks with Native-American motifs, and paintings depicting buffalo hunts. There are wide chimneys for fires of thick, crackling birch or beech logs and collections of Navaho, Sioux or Shawnee poetry. There are animal pelts, hunting trophies, Katchina dolls, antique feather headdresses, cowboy hats, multicoloured woollen ponchos and rugs from Arizona and New Mexico. Everything within these sturdy, red-cedar log cabins speaks of the region’s strong identity: its people, craftsmanship and past.”   The interiors of Melt’s Log Cabin are all inspired by real English furniture and antiques. Every piece of furniture in there exists and is heavy with history or English sensibilities. As we are an London-founded chocolate company, we wanted to put our own twist on the log cabin dream. Swiss Chalet Inspired Combined with the interiors and authenticity of Ralph Lauren, we decided to lean towards the quaint beauty of Swiss chalet’s. Villages like Chandolin and Zermatt in Switzerland are famous for their distinct wooden chalets, many of them around 500 years old. Their wood has aged exquisitely. The sunlight and weathering turns the wood black – so it can store heat well. Made with such craftsmanship that they only better with age. Aligning ourselves with the skilled Swiss craftspeople of the past, our chalet advent calendar is entirely hand-painted. Every line on the wood has been painted painstakingly to recreate this aged look. We embrace natural lines and shapes.   Chocolate Advent Calendar: What’s Inside? Filled with delicious, fresh, bespoke chocolates inside each of the amazing 24 rooms our favourite Christmas selections […]

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The History of Chocolate Have you ever wondered where chocolate comes from? How it is made? What ingredients are used? The history of chocolate is a long, complicated one, intertwined with the history of Spanish colonialism in the Americas. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the history of chocolate and how it has evolved over the centuries. We will also explore some of the key milestones and innovations that have shaped the chocolate industry, as well as the cultural and economic impact of this delicious food. So grab a bar of your favorite chocolate and join us on a journey through the rich history of this beloved treat. The origins of chocolate in Mesoamerica So how did chocolate start as a bean growing on the cocoa plants in South America to a luxury chocolatier in London? The history of chocolate dates back to the ancient Mesoamerican civilizations, where it was consumed as a bitter beverage and used in religious ceremonies. This bitter cocoa beverage was made by mixing ground cocoa beans with water and spices – such as chilli and vanilla. It was often served cold and frothy, and was enjoyed by both the elite and common people. Mayan Lord featured with a frothy cacao drink (Chocolatl) The Mayans and Aztecs believed that chocolate had medicinal and spiritual properties, and it was often used in religious ceremonies and as a tribute to the gods. In the legends of the Aztecs, the cocoa tree was brought down from the mountains by the God of sun, wind and air, the feathered serpent Quetzalcoatl. Quetzalcoatl as depicted in the Codex Telleriano-Remensis The the cocoa tree was stolen by Quetzalcoatl from paradise where all the other gods lived and planted by him in Tula, Mexico. Hence, it was believed that Quetzalcoatal taught humans, more specifically the Toltecs, how to use cocoa beans to make chocolate. Because of this, chocolate was often associated with Quetzalcoatl and other gods, becoming precious currency and part of religious iconography. Melt’s Aztec Fire Chilli Chocolate Bar It is said that the Toltecs where transformed into powerful and influential people as a result of the delicious and energising cocoa beverage! The arrival of the Spanish and the introduction of sugar The arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century marked a turning point in the history of chocolate. The Spanish conquistadors, led by Hernán Cortés, were the first Europeans to encounter chocolate, and they quickly became enamored with it. When the Spanish conquistadors first encountered cocoa, they adapted the preparation methods to include sweetening and flavoring with spices like cinnamon, and served the beverage warm. On occasions cornmeal and hallucinogenic mushrooms were also added to the drink. This differentiated the chocolate consumed by the Spanish from that consumed by the native Mesoamericans. This pattern can be seen in other foods consumed by both groups, but none achieved the global popularity and demand of chocolate. Artistic depiction of Hernan De Cortez and Montezuma Back in Spain the Spanish nobility and Catholic priests were quick to embrace the new and exciting beverage of chocolate. They used it to sustain themselves during religious fasts, and for nearly a century, Spain kept the secret of cacao beans to […]

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Magnolia Magic: Blooms of Notting Hill As spring unfurls its delicate petals, London’s charming streets come alive with bursts of colour and fragrance. Amidst the hustle and bustle of Notting Hill, there’s a particular spectacle that draws both locals and tourists alike—the magnificent magnolia trees in full bloom. Every year, as winter bids its farewell, these majestic trees transform Notting Hill into a canvas painted with shades of pink, white, and cream. The air is filled with a sweet, intoxicating scent, reminiscent of vanilla and citrus, enticing passersby to pause and revel in nature’s splendor. Strolling through the winding streets, one can’t help but be captivated by the sheer elegance of the magnolia blossoms. Their large, cup-shaped flowers stand out against the backdrop of Victorian facades and leafy greenery, adding a touch of romance to the neighbourhood. The sight of these blooms invokes a sense of renewal and hope—a promise of brighter days ahead after the dreariness of winter. It’s as if Mother Nature herself is celebrating the arrival of spring by adorning Notting Hill with her finest jewels. Local residents eagerly anticipate the annual spectacle, marking it as a highlight of the season. Some even organize neighborhood walks or picnics amidst the blooming magnolias, creating cherished memories with friends and family. Photographers flock to Notting Hill during this time, aiming to capture the ethereal beauty of the magnolia blooms against the backdrop of iconic landmarks like Portobello Road or the colorful houses along Lancaster Road. Their snapshots serve as timeless reminders of nature’s fleeting yet enduring beauty. For visitors exploring Notting Hill for the first time, stumbling upon these blooming magnolias is like discovering a hidden treasure—a delightful surprise that leaves a lasting impression. It’s an experience that beckons them to return year after year, eager to witness the magic of spring in full bloom once more. But beyond their aesthetic appeal, the magnolia trees of Notting Hill hold a deeper significance. They serve as a symbol of resilience and perseverance, weathering the changing seasons year after year, their blossoms a testament to nature’s enduring strength. As the days grow longer and warmer, the magnolia blooms gradually give way to lush green foliage, marking the end of their fleeting reign. Yet, their memory lingers, etched in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to witness their splendor. In Notting Hill, spring isn’t just a season—it’s a celebration of life, beauty, and the unyielding spirit of nature. And amidst it all, the magnolia trees stand tall, silent witnesses to the passage of time, their blossoms a reminder to cherish each moment and find joy in the simplest of pleasures.   Inspired by these beautiful Magnolia trees Melt’s artisan chocolatiers have created this perfect Magnolia Gift Set with our Magnolia Easter egg and our best-selling bonbons crafted using the finest ingredients, resulting in a rich and decadent taste that will tantalize your taste buds. Hand-painted Magnolia Flowers The packaging has been designed to represent the magic of the blooming Magnolia flower. Hand-painted in-house, Melt wanted to highlight the subtly of the pink and cream petals, mirroring the raspberry and vanilla flavours of the easter egg. This year experience the ‘Magnolia Magic: Blooms of Notting Hill’ […]

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Award-Winning: Best Luxury Easter Egg 2024 Easter is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than indulging in the finest luxury chocolate eggs from Melt Chocolates? We have handpicked and tasted our best luxury Easter eggs for 2024, and here are our top recommendations and why we recommend them: Lotus Easter Egg (£69.99) Melt Chocolate’s Lotus Easter Egg redefines luxury with its decadent fusion of flavors and inspiration drawn from The White Lotus. From the rich depths of dark chocolate with hazelnuts to the refreshing burst of coconut, every bite promises an unparalleled experience. With its exquisite design reminiscent of a blossoming lotus flower, this indulgent egg is a true treasure trove of chocolate bliss—a must-have for discerning connoisseurs seeking the ultimate Easter indulgence. ‘There’s plenty to discover in this supersize egg, making it great for sharing. It’s got a hefty price tag at £69.99, but also adds up to a whopping 1kg of chocolate – actually making it impressive value per gram for a luxury chocolate, all handmade in London.’ – BBC Good Foods Thank you to BBC Good Food who rated our egg among the ’17 best Easter eggs to buy 2024, taste tested’, Town and Country and to Square Meal for rating the Lotus Egg one of the ‘The best Easter eggs 2024‘. 2. Coconut Easter Egg (£34.99) If you are looking for a taste of the tropics, the Coconut Easter egg is the perfect choice. Made with creamy 38% milk chocolate and desiccated coconut, this egg will transport you to a sunny island. The coconut flavor is subtle, and the egg is not too sweet, making it a great option for those who prefer less sugary treats. ‘If you’re that person that eats all the leftover Bounty bars from a box of Celebrations, this coconut egg could be just what you’re looking for this Easter. Bonus points to beloved Notting Hill chocolatiers Melt, who’ve done a bang up job of making this look like a real coconut.’ – Square Meal ‘The best Easter eggs 2024’ 3. Magnolia Easter Egg (£69.99) Melt’s Magnolia Easter egg – it’s like unwrapping a blooming flower, but way tastier! Pull up the lid and watching the petals unfold, revealing 14 luscious chocolate wedges infused with vanilla, raspberry, and a hint of rose. And the best part? The packaging is hand-painted to capture the dreamy vibes of those pink and cream Magnolia petals. It’s like a taste of springtime luxury in every bite!     4.  Sea Salt Milk Chocolate Easter Egg (£27.49) The Sea Salt Milk Chocolate Easter egg is a classic and never disappoints. The 45% milk chocolate has a perfect balance of sweetness and rich cocoa flavor, enhanced by the delicate flakes of Maldon sea salt. The packaging is sleek, and the egg is a great value for its size. 5. Acorn Nut Easter Egg (£38.49) For those who appreciate nutty flavors, the Acorn Nut Easter egg is a must-try. Made with 50% dark chocolate, roasted almonds, this egg has a lovely crunch and a rich, nutty taste. The packaging is also stunning, with an elegant crown of acorn on top of the egg. This Easter egg was recommended by Olive Magazine Best Luxury Easter […]

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