Angelina Old-fashioned Hot Chocolate Powder Mix

This is hot chocolate to sit down with. Deep cocoa flavour, a rounded sweetness and a creamy texture make each sip feel generous. Serve it in your favourite cup and give it a moment before the first taste. A little whipped cream is lovely here: let it soften into the warm chocolate, or leave the cup plain and enjoy the chocolate on its own.

The pleasure is in that simple contrast: a warm, smooth drink, a crisp pastry within reach, and no reason to hurry. Make it the centre of a slow breakfast, an afternoon with a book, or a sweet finish to dinner. A cup is quite enough of an occasion.

This is a powder mix to prepare at home. The 350g tin is a lovely choice for gifting or keeping on your kitchen shelf. The 500g refill comes in a box, with more powder for your next chocolate afternoons; the tin is sold separately. Choose the format that suits your table.

Contains milk.

• A French breakfast — Serve alongside warm La Rose Noire croissants. Their crisp layers give you something buttery to enjoy between sips. Add Maison Perrotte Gariguette Strawberry Jam to the croissant for a bright fruit contrast, and let breakfast take its time.

• An afternoon pause — Enjoy it plain or add a spoonful of whipped cream just before serving. Put out a few biscuits or scones if you are sharing, with small plates for the crumbs. Find more table ideas in our French breakfast guide and The Art of Tea Time.

• A thoughtful gift — Choose the 350g tin for a chocolate lover who appreciates a quiet treat at home. The 500g refill box is also lovely with a ribbon. Croissants, jam, cream and other accompaniments are sold separately.

Angelina began at 226 rue de Rivoli in Paris in 1903. Austrian confectioner Anton Rumpelmayer founded the tea room with his son René and named it for his daughter-in-law, Angelina. Writers, actors and neighbours soon made it a meeting place; Marcel Proust and Gabrielle Chanel were among its celebrated visitors.

The setting was part of the pleasure: mirrors, decorative mouldings and painted scenes of the Riviera, a reminder of the family's time in the south of France. Hot chocolate and the Mont-Blanc pastry became signatures of the house. That is the spirit to borrow at home: set out a proper cup, find something delicious to go beside it, and make room for a leisurely pause.

Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Once opened, reseal tightly or transfer to an airtight container.