December 19th

Homemade Hot Cocoa

Tonight we tried a rich recipe from Williams-Sonoma.com for this homemade hot cocoa. It's supposed to be mint hot chocolate, but I excluded the peppermint extract because I don't care for it. This was a veerrry rich hot cocoa. I liked it, Kent didn't, the kids did until the whipped cream ran out. I would have liked a little more whipped cream in it to temper the semi-sweet chocolate into more of a milk chocolate taste. Here's the recipe though if you want to try it!

picture from Williams-Sonoma.com

Whole milk makes a wonderfully rich drink, but low-fat milk produces a satisfying concoction as well. This elixir guarantees sweet dreams.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup chilled heavy cream
4 Tbs. sugar
3 Tbs. Dutch process cocoa powder
4 cups milk
4 oz. semisweet chocolate, chopped, plus 1/2
oz., shaved
1/2 tsp. peppermint extract
Directions:
In a bowl, beat the cream and 1 Tbs. of the sugar until soft peaks form. Cover the whipped cream and refrigerate until ready to serve.

In a small, heavy saucepan, combine the remaining 3 Tbs. sugar and the cocoa. Gradually whisk in the milk. Place over medium heat and bring to a simmer, whisking frequently. Add the chopped chocolate and whisk until melted and smooth. Stir in the peppermint extract.

Divide the hot chocolate among warmed mugs. Top each with a dollop of the whipped cream. Sprinkle with the shaved chocolate and serve immediately.
Serves 4.