Recipe for Jane Austen-style Regency hot chocolate From the Crown & Crumpet
Chocolate was always served as a beverage as it did not appear in the form of a bar, as we know the chocolate bar, until the mid-1800s. The Crown & Crumpet makes their "chocolate" using the 19th century method with cocoa powder.
Here is their chef's recipe for making easy, authentic tasting "chocolate" or, as we would call it today, "hot cocoa" or "hot chocolate." It is very lovely when served in a little chocolate pot-or your favorite ceramic teapot.
This recipe is surprisingly simple and quick to make. It is an elegant, delicious and all natural alternative to using instant cocoa and one that you, your family and guests are sure to savor.
19th Century Chocolate
Serves Two
Ingredients:
- 1 1/3 cups whole milk
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons dark cocoa powder
- Add the milk and cream to a saucepan and heat gently on the stove. Stir occasionally.
- While the milk/cream are heating, sift together the powdered sugar and cocoa powder.
- When the milk/cream are almost boiling, use a whisk to add in the dry ingredients a little at a time. Whisk until smooth.
- Continue to heat gently until the desired drinking temperature is reached. Do not let the cocoa mix boil or the milk and cream will scald.
- Pour directly into cups or into a chocolate pot or teapot to serve.
About Crown & Crumpet
Crown & Crumpet owners Amy and Christopher Dean opened their unique tea salon in the newly revamped Ghirardelli Square in the heart of old San Francisco in late September 2008. A destination tearoom known for top-quality food and excellent libations, all with the style and charm that one finds in modern day Britain. Crown & Crumpet infuses tradition with a large dose of panache and humor. There is no 'Granny's front parlor' look for Crown & Crumpet. Renowned English architect and designer Roland Courtenay Bishop has created an architecturally inviting space with a creative interior décor designed by the owners.
Website: http://www.crownandcrumpet.com
About "Jane Austen UnScripted"
An improvised play in the style of Jane Austen
Brian Lohmann was a vital part of the San Francisco improv revival of the 1980's. He was a member of Faultline with Greg Proops and Mike McShane, co-founded BATS Improv and created Pulp Playhouse (1988-1995), which combined scripted stage actors like O-Lan Jones, and Stephanie Hunt with improvisers such as Stephen Kearin and Rafe Chase. A core faculty member at A.C.T. from 1988-1995, Brian performed at the Magic Theatre, Encore, Marin Theatre Company, the Cobra Lounge, The Pickle Family Circus and in Bill Talen's Heatface. His one-man show, Johnny Lonely's Unhappy Hour, premiered at The Marsh, in San Francisco, then toured to Seattle and Australia. Brian has directed Tennessee Williams UnScripted and An UnScripted Carol (Improvised Dickens) for Impro Theatre and several world premieres for the Ukiah Players Theater New American Comedy festival. He is currently Adjunct Professor in Theatre Arts at Pepperdine University.
Jane Austen only wrote six novels in her lifetime, but they are some of the most beloved tales of love and misunderstanding, wit and wisdom, and passion and betrayal ever written. Now, for the first time in two centuries, Impro Theatre will deliver a new Jane Austen story every night. Passionate, willful women flirt and verbally joust with handsome, brooding young noblemen. Hearts are broken, secrets are revealed and true love wins out in the end. Or does it? The essence of Austen's brilliant and timeless romantic comedies and social satires is brought faithfully to life by this expert team of funny and gifted actors, whose recent explorations of great literary figures include Shakespeare, Dickens, Sondheim, and Tennessee Williams.
Impro Theater, one of Los Angeles' longest established and most acclaimed improv theater groups, brings their critically acclaimed, sell-out genre reinvention to the Bay Area. Former Bay Area Actors Stephen Kearin, Brian Lohmann and Dan O'Connor return for the northern California premiere of Impro Theatre's "Jane Austen UnScripted." Bay Area audiences know Kearin as one third of the critically acclaimed local improv institution 3 FOR ALL. Lohmann and O'Connor, both San Francisco natives, are founding members of BATS Improv and are pleased as punch to return to the their improv and theatre roots.
Website: http://www.improtheatre.com
SHOW VENUES, DATES & TIMES
142 Throckmorton Theatre, Mill Valley
142 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley, CA 94941
Thursday & Friday, September 3 & 4, 2009 at 8:00 PM
Website: http://www.142throckmortontheatre.org
Bayfront Theater, San Francisco
Fort Mason Center, Bldg. B, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94123
Saturday. September 5, 2009, 8:00 PM
Sunday, September 6, 2009, 2:00 PM Matinee
Website: http://www.improv.org
Ticket Prices: $20 online, $25 door. $17 seniors, $17 students
