Love hot chocolate? This is the time of year when hot chocolate is just perfect. Make your next cup exquisite by using actual chocolate to craft a rich, creamy drink that will warm your chilled bones. And, if you want a different take on that cuppa hot ch
Love hot chocolate? This is the time of year when hot chocolate is just perfect. Make your next cup exquisite by using actual chocolate to craft a rich, creamy drink that will warm your chilled bones.
And, if you want a different take on that cuppa hot chocolate, then there are several fabulous variations to make it extra special.
The key with homemade hot chocolate is to use good quality chocolate. Generally, chocolate chips aren’t best for this—instead, opt for a bar of chocolate that you would enjoy eating.
Also, for a sweeter hot chocolate, use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate.
Basic Hot Chocolate Recipe
Serves 2
Ingredients:
Directions:
Vanilla hot chocolate: Scrape the seeds of 1 vanilla bean into the milk before heating; cook as directed above. Once complete, top with a homemade vanilla marshmallow.
Caramel hot chocolate: Cook the hot chocolate as directed and pour into two cups; stir in a swirl of caramel sauce into each cup. Top with whipped cream and drizzle with additional caramel sauce.
Mexican hot chocolate: Add with the chopped chocolate, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon chipotle powder, and a pinch of salt. Cook as directed.
White hot chocolate: Instead of dark chocolate, use a good quality white chocolate bar, chopped and cook as directed. DO NOT use white chocolate chips, which will give it an unpleasant chalky taste.
And, if you want a different take on that cuppa hot chocolate, then there are several fabulous variations to make it extra special.
The key with homemade hot chocolate is to use good quality chocolate. Generally, chocolate chips aren’t best for this—instead, opt for a bar of chocolate that you would enjoy eating.
Also, for a sweeter hot chocolate, use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate.
Basic Hot Chocolate Recipe
Serves 2Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4-ounces chopped good quality dark chocolate
Directions:
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk on the stove over a medium-low flame until warm. Do not boil. Whisk the dark chocolate into the warm milk (with the heat still on) until well-blended (about 5 to 10 minutes).
- Serve in two mugs with marshmallows or whipped cream, as desired.
Hot Chocolate Variations
Peppermint hot chocolate: Add 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract to the milk with the chocolate and whisk as directed. Once the hot chocolate is complete, top with whipped cream and a sprinkling of crushed candy canes.Vanilla hot chocolate: Scrape the seeds of 1 vanilla bean into the milk before heating; cook as directed above. Once complete, top with a homemade vanilla marshmallow.
Caramel hot chocolate: Cook the hot chocolate as directed and pour into two cups; stir in a swirl of caramel sauce into each cup. Top with whipped cream and drizzle with additional caramel sauce.
Mexican hot chocolate: Add with the chopped chocolate, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon chipotle powder, and a pinch of salt. Cook as directed.
White hot chocolate: Instead of dark chocolate, use a good quality white chocolate bar, chopped and cook as directed. DO NOT use white chocolate chips, which will give it an unpleasant chalky taste.
