Nothing ends a cold winter’s day better than a delicious, decadent cup of hot chocolate. We’ve gathered up some recipes that are sure to warm you up from head to toe.
Mexican Hot Chocolate
INGREDIENTS
3 tablespoons instant hot chocolate mix
1 tablespoon chocolate syrup
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 pinch chili powder
1/4 cup milk
3/4 cup boiling water
DIRECTIONS
In a large mug, mix the hot chocolate mix, chocolate syrup, cinnamon, and chili powder. Pour in the milk. Add the boiling water and stir.
White Hot Chocolate
INGREDIENTS
3 1/4 cups 2% milk
6 ounces white chocolate, chopped
1 egg, beaten
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
DIRECTIONS
Place the white chocolate in a medium metal bowl over a pan of barely simmering water, or in the top half of a double boiler. Allow the chocolate to melt, stirring occasionally until smooth. Stir in cayenne pepper and cinnamon. Whisk in the egg until smooth.
Gradually whisk in one cup of the milk until completely incorporated, about 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in remaining milk, and heat until hot, but not simmering. You do not want a skin to form on top of the milk. It will be ready to drink when either the taste of the cayenne is masked by the temperature of the milk (the spiciness of the pepper will remain), or when the hot chocolate is at your desired temperature. Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Caramel Hot Chocolate
5 cups water
5 (3 ounce) bars milk chocolate, chopped
1/4 cup plus 1 cup chilled whipping cream
1 tablespoon powdered sugar
3 tablespoons prepared caramel sauce
Bring 5 cups water and chocolate to simmer in medium saucepan, stirring to dissolve chocolate. Mix in 1/4 cup cream. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to simmer, stirring frequently, before continuing.)
Whip 1 cup cream and powdered sugar in medium bowl until peaks form. Drizzle caramel over and swirl together, forming streaks (do not over-mix).
Divide hot chocolate among 6 mugs. Top with generous amount of caramel whipped cream and serve.
Makes 6 servings.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 1/2 cups milk
1/4 cup sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
3 drops peppermint oil
Sweetened whipped cream, for garnish
Chocolate shavings, for garnish
Directions
In a saucepan, combine the cream, milk, sugar, and salt and heat over medium-low heat. When the cream mixture just begins to steam, add the chopped chocolate, and stir, until melted. Stir in the peppermint oil. Divide the hot chocolate among mugs and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
Makes about 4 servings.
We hope you enjoy these delicious hot chocolate recipes. Stay warm!
