Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Hot chocolate my/your/any style

We had a thawing period the last couple of days. The snow was melting away rapidly and you had the feeling that spring was just around the corner. As if.
This came to a screeching halt yesterday evening when it cooled down and this morning there was thick frost on the ground. For cold days like this there is one consolation; a mug of delicious hot chocolate!


I am no longer a big fan of the powder version either. I like to make it just to my taste.
Start with a measuring of milk (make sure you leave enough space in your cup of choice) and a generous piece of dark chocolate* (the more the better).

These are the basics. I like adding different spices to deepen the flavors and add different twists. Here I went for a pinch of cinnamon and two cloves.

But the options are endless; a little bit of star anise (not much, it's a very pervasive aroma), a little nutmeg, honey, vanilla extract, a pinch of chili powder, etc., etc. Basically anything you'd like to try.

Instructions;
Heat the milk with the spices until almost boiling. This way you will get more of the flavors to infuse into the milk. When hot take off the heat and drop in the pieces of chocolate. Leave for a minute or so and then stir the melted chocolate solids well with a whisk to combine.
You can carefully heat the chocolate later. Don't bring it to a boil.
Pour it back into your mug or cup and enjoy.



*Even if you don't like dark chocolate otherwise give it a try here. This will give you more flavor and less sugar.

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