Hot cocoa is all well and good. A mug is a great way to satisfy your after-dinner chocolate cravings. And cupping the warm mug between your hands after playing in the snow or shoveling the driveway is simply heavenly.
But in terms of flavor, it doesn’t quite measure up to the rich full flavor of hot chocolate. Nothing compares to the warm, thick creaminess that comes with each sip.
The chocolate must be chopped or shaved into small pieces in order for this method to work. Otherwise, you’ll end up with chunks of unmelted chocolate in the bottom of your mug. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but not quite what we’re going for here.
Perfect Hot Chocolate
Serves 1
1 oz semisweet or dark chocolate, chopped into small pieces or shaved
1 T unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup milk
Pinch of salt
1-3 T sugar (optional, to taste)*
In a small saucepan, mix the chocolate, cocoa powder and 1/2 cup of the milk over low heat. Stir continuously until the chocolate is completely melted.
Add the rest of the milk and the salt. Stir, then allow to heat the rest of the way through.
Stir in sugar to taste. Pour into a mug and top with marshmallows or whipped cream, if desired.
*If you like dark chocolate, you probably don’t need to add any sugar, especially if you add whipped cream or marshmallows.
Variations:
- Use white chocolate (and no sugar) for a super-sweet and creamy treat.
- Use a mix of chocolates: white and milk, milk and dark, the possibilities are endless!
- Add some cinnamon, ginger and cayenne for a spicy kick.
- Add some nutmeg for an extra punch of flavor.
What’s your favorite way to make hot chocolate?
This post is a part of Hot Chocolate Week. In case you missed the other posts in the series…
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Nom nom nom. I really want to make some hot chocolate now!
Katie @ Healthy Heddleston recently posted..Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Dough Balls
Oh, the white chocolate versions sounds interesting! I also like the idea of adding some cayenne – mmm, spice!
I’m loving Hot Chocolate Week, Julie!
I love the photo of the overflowing hot chocolate!
I can’t say I’ve ever made hot chocolate. Hot cocoa, for sure. And honestly my favorite way to make it is using Lake Champlain chocolates hot cocoa mix. It’s the perfect sweetness for me.
megan @ blackberries for jam recently posted..Favorites- Ezekiel English Muffins
It is freezing today in NYC and I am wishing I had one of these delicious mugs of hot chocolate right now! With lots of whipped cream, of course.
This does sound heavenly…I think I’ll take mine with dark chocolate.
amelia recently posted..kale chips to balance my over-indulgence of chocolate
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