hot.chocolate

I think this is the perfect cup of hot chocolate. Perfect for times when you need some warm luxury. The best addition to a good book, cuddly throw, and comfy chair. Decadently indulgent and so good that you will want to lick the cup. I absolutely promise. It is like drinking melted chocolate - thick and addictive - but really not a bad choice for a treat since it is made with 1% milk (or coconut milk), very little sugar aaand dark chocolate.

We had snow again last night. I had to go out this morning (without snow tires) and my valiant little Mini S could not conquer the hill up to our house. So it waits on the hill until I can try again. This cup of deliciousness went down very well after that mild frustration and cold walk. (Okay. It seemed like a reasonable excuse for hot.chocolate mid-day. lol)

When you make this remember: your hot.chocolate will only be as good as the chocolate that you use. This is not the time to cheat and use sub-par chocolate. That said I have used Baker's Chocolate and it was fantastic, as was the Callebaut, the Ghiridelli, even the Hersheys. I prefer a dark chocolate and not a lot of sugar. This is NOT your cup of hot chocolate made from a powder mix packet...and you probably won't ever go back.

hot.chocolate

(for 0ne)

1 cup milk of your choice - I usually use 1% milk

4 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped fine

1/2 tsp sugar

1 1/2 tsp corn starch mixed into 1 Tbsp cold milk

Heat the milk in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the chocolate and whisk until melted. Add the sugar. Add the cornstarch/milk mixture, cook over low heat - whisking constantly - until thickened. If it starts to boil take it off the heat, lower the heat (if possible) return to heat and continue cooking gently. The longer you cook it the smoother it gets ... within reason, don't cook it forever - 20 minutes is plenty and 5 is just fine. 

Optional method: If you want to do this in the microwave you can but be warned that you are very likely going to be scraping a good portion of your chocolate off the microwave tray (or washing it down the drain, arghhh!) because it is likely to boil over and make a terrible mess. But it does work. Just so you know.

This is a rich(-seeming), thick cup of hot chocolate. It will nicely coat a spoon. And you will want a spoon with this to get every last drop of goodness. (or you could lick the cup when no one is looking....)