The temperature is dropping and snow is just around the corner if you haven’t already gotten some this year. You know what that means… Time for some hot chocolate! There’s nothing better than warming up with a rich, warm, chocolaty drink. It’s a dessert and a warm hug all wrapped up in one! We have three ways to prepare hot chocolate, so ditch the pre-mixed packets and check out our favorite recipes!
Classic Homemade Hot Chocolate
This is perfect for when it’s just you, and you want a little treat for yourself. Start with 1 cup of whole milk, 1 tablespoon of heavy cream, 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 1/2 tablespoons of brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder. Heat these ingredients over the stove, whisking occasionally until it reaches the desired temperature. The end result? A deeper flavor, more chocolaty, and you have control over the sweetness level, so if you like your hot chocolate on the bitter side, just adjust the sugar you put in accordingly.
Italian Hot Chocolate
Start by adding four ounces of finely chopped dark chocolate to a saucepan, and pour just a splash of your whole milk over the chocolate. Start heating up the chocolate over medium heat and then add 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder. Stir the ingredients and wait for them to melt. While you’re waiting for the chocolate to heat up, mix together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and a splash of the whole milk. Once the chocolate is melted, add the rest of your whole milk, stirring as you pour. Once that liquid chocolate is heated through, add in your cornstarch mixture and stir until thickened. The end result is an absolutely decadent treat you’ll get to savor as you warm up by the fire.
Mexican Hot Chocolate
For starters, place a single stick of cinnamon directly in your heated saucepan and char one side. You’ll also need a seeded, dried chili of your choice. In a small saucepan, combine 8 ounces of dark chocolate, 1 1/2 tablespoons of brown sugar, half a vanilla bean pod (without seeds), cinnamon stick, chili, a small pinch of salt, and 1 1/2 cups of whole milk. Heat until the chocolate is melted and the liquid is nice and hot. Then, steep for 10 minutes. Remove the cinnamon stick and vanilla bean pod, then pour the mixture in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour the hot chocolate in a mug through a fine mesh strainer, and top with whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa powder. The end result is a cup of sweet, spicy, and chocolatey goodness.
