Now is a good time to post a warming drink here. A few weeks ago, I posted a stew recipe guaranteed to warm you up from the inside and my sister’s comment was that hot chocolate (especially if spiked!) can also warm you up from the inside. It is true that warm drinks also get the job done, so Diane, here is a hot chocolate recipe for you!
When Gilbert joined our family, we added a hot chocolate drinker to our mix. We had routine coffee & tea drinkers before that. Hot chocolate was only an occasional thing for us. But Gilbert enjoys sipping some hot chocolate during his morning commute and as an afternoon or evening pick-up when it is cold outside. (He likes it spiked with Peppermint Schnapps in the evenings and on weekends!) I subject Gilbert to all the hot chocolate recipes I test to get his expert opinion on them before posting any of them here. This version (Gilbert approved!) uses premium cocoa powder (mine was a gift from Diane) and real chocolate. It is rich and luscious and perfect for winter and the cold weather!
Gourmet Hot Chocolate Mix
Gourmet Hot Chocolate Mix (adapted from epicurious.com) Makes 1 1/2 cups mix, about 8 servings, Time Required: 10 minutes to make the mix, 10 minutes to make the hot chocolate
Ingredients:
For the hot chocolate mix:
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup premium cocoa powder
- 3 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
For the hot chocolate:
- 1 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons hot chocolate mix
- Whipped cream, marshmallows, cocoa powder for serving
Preparation:
Make the hot chocolate mix: Add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, chocolate, cornstarch, and sea salt to the food processor. Scrape in the vanilla bean seeds, discarding the pod.
Put all the ingredients into a food processor.
Blend it all together until the mixture is smooth and powdery, about 1 minute. Store the hot chocolate mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 months, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Blend the ingredients until they are smooth.
To make the hot chocolate: Bring the milk to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the hot chocolate mix and cook, whisking occasionally, until the mixture returns to a simmer and the hot chocolate mix is dissolved and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
Add some mix to the simmering milk.
Transfer the hot chocolate to a mug.
Pour the hot chocolate into mugs.
Top it with whipped cream or marshmallows and dust it with additional cocoa powder. Spike it if desired!
Enjoy!
Here’s to Diane & Gilbert! ~Linda
Gourmet Hot Chocolate Mix (adapted from epicurious.com) Makes 1 1/2 cups mix, about 8 servings, Time Required: 10 minutes to make the mix, 10 minutes to make the hot chocolate
Ingredients:
For the hot chocolate mix:
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup premium cocoa powder
- 3 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
For the hot chocolate:
- 1 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons hot chocolate mix
- Whipped cream, marshmallows, cocoa powder for serving
Preparation:
Make the hot chocolate mix: Add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, chocolate, cornstarch, and sea salt to the food processor. Scrape in the vanilla bean seeds, discarding the pod.
Blend it all together until the mixture is smooth and powdery, about 1 minute. Store the hot chocolate mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 months, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
To make the hot chocolate: Bring the milk to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the hot chocolate mix and cook, whisking occasionally, until the mixture returns to a simmer and the hot chocolate mix is dissolved and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
Transfer the hot chocolate to a mug. Top it with whipped cream or marshmallows and dust it with additional cocoa powder. Spike it if desired!