Gourmet Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 Tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 4 Tablespoons plus ½ teaspoon sugar try using maple syrup
- 2½ ounces bittersweet chocolate 70-75% cacao chopped
- Large pinch of kosher salt
- 5 cups whole milk
Instructions
-
Heat the cream, cocoa and sugar in a medium pot.
-
Slowly add the chocolate and stir until melted.
-
Add the salt and milk and heat to desired temperature.
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My friend also recommended adding Postum or Pero to the mix for a nice rich flavor. You could also add almond and/or vanilla extract.
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NOTE: The recipe is also still very good if you only have 1-2% milk and semi-sweet chocolate chips. There are so many different things you can make this recipe your own. It's good regardless of what you do to it!
Another epiphany came recently when a “healthy” (not necessarily a title I’d give myself) friend pointed out that all store-bought hot chocolate (even my favorite Stephens) has hydrogenated oils in them, a.k.a. trans fat. I was so annoyed! I’ve looked at the labels of every hot chocolate brand I can find since then, but I haven’t come across one that’s managed to leave that ingredient out (try to find one … I dare you). So, here are two recipes that you can make yourself. The “gourmet” version is only good fresh, but it’s outstanding and very addictive … so consider yourself warned. The “everyday” version is one you can make ahead of time and have on hand when the little ones come in from playing in the cold (I would say snow but we rarely get any of that in Tennessee).
Gourmet Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 Tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 4 Tablespoons plus ½ teaspoon sugar try using maple syrup
- 2½ ounces bittersweet chocolate 70-75% cacao chopped
- Large pinch of kosher salt
- 5 cups whole milk
Instructions
-
Heat the cream, cocoa and sugar in a medium pot.
-
Slowly add the chocolate and stir until melted.
-
Add the salt and milk and heat to desired temperature.
-
My friend also recommended adding Postum or Pero to the mix for a nice rich flavor. You could also add almond and/or vanilla extract.
-
NOTE: The recipe is also still very good if you only have 1-2% milk and semi-sweet chocolate chips. There are so many different things you can make this recipe your own. It's good regardless of what you do to it!
Love Actually’s Guide Romantic Guide to Hot Chocolate
Fill Your Mug With the Best Hot Chocolate
Does Mariel have a blog, or am I so worn out from the holidays that I’m missing it? dmj53(at)hotmail(dot)com
Deborah ~ You made me smile! You’re on my blog right now 🙂
Mariel
I’m not positive, but I think non-dairy creamer has a bunch of nasty stuff in it, too. I’m sure I’ve seen a make-ahead mix that doesn’t use it.
Cathie – wow, you’re right! I’m still learning about this “healthy” stuff, so I went and grabbed a bottle of non-dairy creamer that a guest left and it does have “partially hydrogenated palm oil” in it. Dang. I’m glad you pointed that out. I’ll have to modify my recipe somehow. And, please let me know if you find a make-ahead mix without trans fat. Thanks!
So, I made this. It was delish! I have a sweet tooth, so I actually added a tsp. of vanilla and like 3 more TBS of sugar.
Thanks, Becc!
Nice ideas Rebecca! Cute girls. Hi from Katie (Sheya) Yates
¡Ummmm, que rico! Gracias por la receta. Un saludo desde orillas del Mediterráneo
Oh my! Gourmet, indeed 🙂 These recipes sound amazing! I can’t wait to try them, thanks for sharing. The farm families who own Cabot appreciate your recommendation!
~Jacquelyn