Hot Chocolate
A decadent and comforting classic, hot chocolate is a rich, warm beverage made from melted chocolate or cocoa powder, milk, and sugar, often topped with whipped cream or marshmallows for an extra touch of indulgence.
Combine dry ingredients
In a small saucepan, whisk together 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 1 pinch salt. This helps prevent lumps when adding liquid.
💡 Tips:
- •For a richer chocolate flavor, you can use Dutch-process cocoa powder.
Create a paste
Add 1-2 tablespoons of the milk to the dry mixture and whisk vigorously to form a smooth paste. This 'blooming' process helps deepen the chocolate flavor and ensures a smooth drink.
💡 Tips:
- •Ensure there are no lumps before adding the rest of the milk.
Heat with milk
Gradually whisk in the remaining milk into the saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat and heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture is hot and steaming, but do not bring it to a boil.
💡 Tips:
- •Constant stirring prevents scorching at the bottom and helps create a creamy texture. Boiling can make milk curdle or diminish chocolate flavor.
Add vanilla and serve
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 0.25 teaspoon vanilla extract. Pour the hot chocolate into a mug. If desired, top with 1 serving whipped cream or mini marshmallows and 1 tablespoon chocolate shavings or cocoa powder.
💡 Tips:
- •Vanilla enhances the chocolate flavor. Serve immediately for the best experience.
- 💡For an extra rich hot chocolate, substitute a quarter of the milk with heavy cream or half-and-half.
- 💡Add a cinnamon stick or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the saucepan while heating for a Mexican hot chocolate twist.
- 💡Stir in 1 tablespoon peanut butter, Nutella, or caramel sauce for a flavored hot chocolate.
- 💡For a thicker hot chocolate, melt 1 ounce (30g) of good quality chopped dark chocolate along with the cocoa powder and milk.
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