Easy And Delicious Hot Chocolate
Oh, doesn’t this Hot Chocolate recipe just scream cozy comfort? It’s perfect for those chilly evenings when all you want to do is wrap yourself in a blanket and enjoy something warm and chocolatey. What I love about this recipe is its simplicity, yet it doesn’t skimp on richness and flavor. You’ve got the classic combination of whole milk and heavy cream creating a luxurious base. Then, the dark chocolate – oh, the dark chocolate! It’s not just any chocolate; we’re talking about 8 ounces of the good stuff, chopped up and ready to melt into this velvety drink. This isn’t your ordinary, everyday hot cocoa; this is a decadent treat.
Whole Milk: The base of our hot chocolate, providing a rich and creamy texture. If you need a substitute, try using almond, soy, or oat milk for a dairy-free alternative. Heavy Cream: This adds extra richness and a luxurious feel to the hot chocolate. A great alternative is coconut cream, which gives a similar creaminess with a hint of coconut flavor, ideal if you’re avoiding dairy. Dark Chocolate: The star of the show, this brings the deep, intense chocolate flavor. You can swap it with milk chocolate for a sweeter, milder taste, or even semi-sweet chocolate if you prefer a balance between bitter and sweet. Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the drink to perfection. Salt: Just a pinch enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness. Vanilla Extract: This adds a hint of aromatic warmth and depth. No vanilla extract? No problem! You can leave it out, or use a dash of almond extract for a different yet delightful flavor profile. Optional Toppings: Whipped cream and chocolate shavings are the cherries on top. Feel free to get creative here – a sprinkle of cinnamon, a few marshmallows, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce can be delightful alternatives.
Start by gently heating the whole milk and heavy cream in a medium saucepan until it simmers – be careful not to let it boil. Next, whisk in the chopped dark chocolate until it’s completely melted and blends into a smooth, velvety mixture. Then, stir in the granulated sugar, a pinch of salt, and a splash of vanilla extract, ensuring the sugar dissolves and everything is well incorporated. Bring the mixture back to a simmer and let it cook for a few more minutes, whisking frequently, until it thickens to your desired consistency. Once done, take the saucepan off the heat and let the hot chocolate cool slightly. Finally, pour it into your favorite mugs and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, or any other topping of your choice, for an extra touch of indulgence.
Storage
If you have leftover hot chocolate, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. You can then store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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