Winter is currently at its peak, with heavy rains hitting Israel - and even snow falling on Mount Hermon.
One of the most fun things to do in winter, especially when it's so cold, is to drink chocolate - but have you ever thought about how the sweet drink is drunk around the world?
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According to the company Stornext, which monitors market performance and research, about 2,500 tons of chocolate powder are sold in the marketing chains in Israel each year - and 60% of households with children purchase such powder.
Also, a quarter of the purchased quantity is used for baking and the rest for making chocolate drinks.
A winning recipe
The most common chocolate drink in the Netherlands is "Schocomal", which is sold in cans and cardboard boxes.
"Shocomal" is sold not only in shops and kiosks, but also in bars alongside other soft and alcoholic drinks.
Be aware that if you tell the state, this is a drink that is sold cold - but it can be heated in the microwave, so you can enjoy hot chocolate.
When it comes to chocolate, the French are known for their meticulousness - and the same goes for their beverages based on cocoa beans.
Most recipes in the country will use dark chocolate coins with at least 70% cocoa solids.
The chocolate will be combined with milk and cream in order to create a thick texture, more similar to melted fudge.
It is not mandatory, but it is always recommended to add a little brown sugar and vanilla to create a cup of indulgent hot chocolate.
So how do you drink it? // Photo: Thinkstock Photos
The Italians also like their cup of hot chocolate thick and indulgent, and they also like a drink based on a combination of milk and cream, with the addition of corn starch, which thickens the mixture more.
The result is somewhat pudding-like, but pourable.
You can also use high-quality chocolate coins or cocoa powder here of your choice.
It all started there
Mexico is considered the country of origin of hot chocolate.
It is believed that the first culture to make chocolate drinks was that of the Mayans, who did so 3000-2500 years ago.
The drink prepared back then was very different from what we know today: it was served cold at celebrations and events just like beer nowadays, but it was also used medicinally to treat liver and stomach diseases.
Later, the Mexicans developed the drink and served it hot (perhaps due to its widespread exposure throughout Europe in the 19th century, where it received many other expressions) with the addition of chili to give a spicy "kick" to the sweet drink.
Colombian love
You probably wouldn't expect to hear about chocolate with cheese, but apparently it works very well for Colombians.
They add cheese cubes to the hot chocolate drink, mainly mozzarella or any other melted cheese.
Colombians grew up on the mug of hot chocolate with cubes of cheese at the bottom, and believed that this is how it is done all over the world.
It's not for nothing that there is a famous saying in the country: "Hot chocolate without cheese is like love without a kiss."
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