If you are a true hot chocolate lover, skip the instant, add-water variety. Instead, take time to make a cup of smooth, rich, creamy hot chocolate, and then add flavorful extras to make it even more irresistible.
To make enough hot chocolate for two large mugs, mix 1⁄4 cup of sugar with 1/8 cup of cocoa, and a dash of salt. Stir in 1/3 cup of hot tap water, and then heat the mixture, stirring constantly until the chocolate comes nearly to a boil. For a foamy drink, whip the chocolate briefly with a stick blender, hand-held mixer, or wire whisk just prior to serving.
If you prefer the quality of homemade hot chocolate but you like the idea of hot chocolate in a hurry, you can make your own instant hot chocolate mix. Begin by combining a 1-pound can of cocoa powder with 1⁄4 cup of unsweetened cocoa, and then add 3 1⁄2 cups of powdered milk, 1 cup of confectioner’s sugar, 1 1⁄4 cup of powdered coffee creamer and 1⁄2 cup granulated sugar. Although it is not necessary, sifting the dry ingredients results in smoother, dissolvable hot chocolate mix. Store the mix in an airtight container. A cup of hot water and 1⁄4 cup of mix makes a generous cup of hot chocolate.
Now that you have mastered the basics of making hot chocolate, it is time to add your own personal touch. Use your imagination, because almost anything goes.
For example, if you are a lover of chocolate and peanut butter, stir a spoonful of creamy peanut butter into your hot chocolate. If coffee is your thing, blend in a bit of espresso or instant coffee crystals.
Look in your spice cabinet for extra flavor possibilities. Cinnamon or nutmeg add an interesting flavor or try a dash of pumpkin pie spice for seasonal hot chocolate. You can also add extracts such as almond, peppermint, or vanilla.
A spoonful of strawberry or raspberry jam creates a wonderful, gourmet flavor. Similarly, stir in caramel or cherry syrup, or even maple syrup. Chocolate syrup makes your cup of hot chocolate even more chocolate-y.
For grown-ups, make Irish hot chocolate with a splash of Irish cream liqueur, or stir in coffee liqueur or peppermint schnapps. Even orange liqueur is delicious in hot chocolate.
Kids love a dollop of peppermint or chocolate-chip mint ice cream, and do not forget traditional miniature marshmallows. Put the marshmallows in the bottom of the cup, and they will be soft and gooey when you pour in the hot chocolate. A peppermint or cinnamon stick adds flavor and makes a handy stir stick.
Once you have mastered the art of real hot chocolate, do not diminish the experience by topping it with canned or frozen whipping topping. If you have never made whipped cream, you may be surprised how simple it is. Simply combine 1 cup of heavy cream, 2 teaspoons of sugar and 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla creamy, rich flavor is worth the extra effort. n extract. Start with a chilled bowl, and then whip the mixture until soft peaks form.
Serve the hot chocolate with a dollop of whipped cream, and then top the whipped cream with shaved chocolate—either regular or white—or a sprig of fresh mint. You can also float a candy kiss on top of the whipped cream, or sprinkle miniature chocolate chips or colorful candy sprinkles.
Whether you prefer it plain or with flavorings and toppings added, there is nothing quite like an authentic cup of hot chocolate. Making a cup of honest-to-goodness hot chocolate requires a little more time than a packet of instant cocoa, but the creamy, rich flavor is worth the extra effort.
