I remember my mom making hot Chocolate on the stovetop many times as a kid. I was always stumped about how she did it. I thought she just threw everything in a pot, and you got hot Chocolate through the power of cooking. Years later, I realized she was following a recipe in the cocoa box. It's very easy. You can do this on the stove or the microwave, depending on how quickly you want it.
Hot Chocolate is terrific because you can customize in many different ways.
Top three ways
Change the flavoring:
Peppermint (my Husband's favorite). You can also crush a peppermint stick to serve with marshmallows or whipped cream.
Almond (Mine): Lovely with a bit of whipped cream
Classic vanilla: It hits the spot
Booze it up:
Rum works well, especially a spice rum like Kraken Rum
Whiskey, though I found smokey whiskey, needs a light hand
Flavored Liqueurs: flavored liqueur, raspberry, and peppermint are my favorites.
**I tend to add a shot or two in the glass, not into the pot. This is what you like and your taste; some may want a taste that would equal more. I found that one shot works best for a 12oz mug.
Coffee:
Chocolate and coffee go well together. I will note, though, that balancing may not get a true mocha. When I add coffee to Hot Chocolate, I only add about 2 tbls of powdered instant coffee. I like Trader's Joes' and Starbucks Pike.
Recipe:
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup Cocoa powder
salt
4 cups milk (1 qt)
3/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup water hot
Mix 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of Cocoa, and salt in a medium saucepan; stir in 1/3 cup of hot water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly; boil and stir for 2 minutes.
Add 4 cups of milk; stir and heat until hot, but do not boil. Remove from heat; add 3/4 tsp vanilla. Beat with a whisk until foamy. Makes about six 6-ounce servings.
Ok now for a single serving
1 1/2 cup of milk
2Tbls of Cocoa powder
1/2 tsp of vanilla
1 Tbls of Sugar
Heat milk in a microwave-safe cup or glass for about 1 minute and 30 seconds or until it is hot enough. Add sugar, cocoa, and vanilla. Mix well. I like electric mixers for this. Enjoy!
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