Warm Up! With Homemade Hot Chocolate

Sure, the instant mix is convenient but, on a cold winter’s day, a cup of real rich, creamy hot chocolate is a special treat for the whole family.

hot chocolate

1        bar gourmet dark chocolate
1/3    cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½       cup white sugar
½       teaspoon cinnamon
1        pinch salt
1/3    cup water
3½     cups milk
¾       teaspoon vanilla extract
½       cup half-and-half cream

Grate the chocolate bar into small curls and place in the freezer to chill. Bring the water to a boil. Combine the cocoa, sugar, cinnamon and pinch of salt in a separate saucepan. Blend in the boiling water. Bring this mixture to an easy boil while you stir. Simmer and stir until the sugar is dissolved (about 2 minutes), making sure it doesn’t scorch. Stir in the milk and heat until very hot, but do not boil. Remove from heat and add the vanilla and half-and-half. Divide between four mugs. Sprinkle with chilled dark chocolate curls and serve.

Makes four servings

 

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