Chef´s Choice

Winter Warmers (Hot Chocolate)

Part 3

by Ralph Kratzer

After our successful mini-series about soups as winter warmers, published over the last weeks, we continue now with recipes for people who like it sweet – Hot Chocolate!

I remember, as a child I loved the hot chocolate my grandma prepared, but compared to the recipes I will show you now her making was more the simple way to do it…

These recipes sometimes seem to be a little strange and difficult, but for experienced home cooks they are surely not a problem!

Remember Hot Chocolate Part 1 – click here! Part 2 – click here!

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

This one will supply instant Christmas spirit.

Ingredients (serves 4)

2 cups of milk
2 cups of heavy cream
1 to 1 1/2 cups of semi sweet chocolate chips
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract
Whipped cream
Crushed candy cane

Preparation

Measure chocolate chips into a large heatproof bowl. Heat milk and cream over medium heat until hot, but not boiling. Stir occasionally while heating. Once hot, pour mixture into bowl over chocolate chips. Add vanilla and peppermint extract. Whisk until chocolate chips are completely melted. Serve with whipped cream and crushed candy cane sprinkled on top.

Coconut Tres Leches Hot Chocolate

Adding coconut to your hot chocolate will give you a taste of the tropics while warming you from the inside out.

Ingredients (serves 4)

2 cups milk (anything from fat-free to whole milk)
1 can unsweetened coconut milk, light or regular
2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Sweetened whipped cream (optional)
Chocolate shavings (optional)

Preparation

In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, coconut milk and sweetened condensed milk, whisking well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally so the mixture doesn’t scorch on the bottom of the pan. Once simmering, whisk in the cocoa powder until the mixture is smooth.
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Serve the hot chocolate in mugs topped with sweetened whipped cream, chocolate shavings, marshmallows, or whatever else your little heart desires.

Source: wimp.com