Last updated on October 11th, 2021 at 06:11 pm
My wife and I recently moved to Utah. Before moving, we made a pro and con list to help us make the decision because it would be such a big life change. We ended up with seven to ten items on each side of the list. The freezing cold winters definitely made the con list for us.
I was especially not prepared for cold. I was born and grew up in the Phoenix, Arizona area. And we’ve lived in Fort Worth, Texas for the last 5 years. Neither place is known for being cold. I mean, Phoenix keeps trying to one-up itself each year for most days over 100°F. We had to completely overhaul our coat wardrobe for the move because a hoodie or a light jacket used to be enough to stay warm.
Warm Up
But one of the best things for warming up is a steaming mug of hot chocolate. Even when my winters were warmer, I loved hot chocolate. I can’t get enough chocolate (my wife can attest to that) – especially dark chocolate. So I can think of no better way to warm up than with hot milk, cream, and melted chocolate.
With how much colder it has been than we’re used to, I’ve already made hot chocolate more times than in all of the last winter season. It’s not really the same to make if it isn’t chilly outside, so at least I’ve been able to take advantage of the cold in some way.
True Decadence
There are lots of ways to make hot chocolate. From powders to syrups to melted chocolate chips. But this recipe is one I use to make it from scratch at home when feeling like something decadent. For true decadence, you need to use the best ingredients you can. It can make a huge difference in the end product, especially when it comes to the chocolate.
Consider a high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate to make for a special occasion. I used Valrhona cocoa powder when I made this. I have also used Droste, Green and Blacks, and Rodelle before. For the chocolate, I used some very high-quality Callebaut chocolate (couverture chocolate) that is actually made for creating your own chocolate bonbons or bars. Since it can only be bought in large amounts, it is not for everyone. Ghiradelli or Guittard chocolate chips would also work great.
To truly go over the top for this hot chocolate, I busted out some fine bone china saucers and teacups that we purchased a while back at Goodwill. Then I could sit back, sip it down, and warm up from the inside out.
Hot Chocolate Options
It is easy to customize your cocoa. The first step is deciding what kind of chopped chocolate you’d like to melt into the mix – milk, semisweet, or dark. You can also flavor it and, once it is poured into cups, you can top it. Below are some suggestions, but it is truly up to your imagination.
Flavors:
- Cinnamon (or try some cloves)
- Peppermint – candy canes
- Caramel
- Coffee Creamers
Toppings:
- Marshmallows
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings
Sinfully Decadent Hot Chocolate
Course: DessertDifficulty: Easy4
servings5
minutes15
minutes20
minutesThe winter drink that warms you up with pure cocoa flavor
Ingredients
2 cups heavy whipping cream
2 cups milk
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup sugar (slightly more or slightly less depending on how sweet you’ve chosen your chocolate for the next ingredient)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup chopped milk/semisweet/dark chocolate
Directions
- Combine cream, milk, cocoa powder, sugar, and vanilla in a 1.5 to 2 quart saucepan
- Whisk together and heat on medium for 5 to 10 minutes until it is starting to steam
- Add in the chopped chocolate, whisking constantly until melted
- Once everything is incorporated, you can remove from heat and pour to serve
Wow, wow, wow, wow – That looks sooooo good!