Snow Day

As we endure yet another snow day here in Ohio, I am whipping up my favorite comfort drink to help get me through the day. Here is my basic recipe for Hot Chocolate as well as variations you might enjoy.

Classic Hot Chocolate

2 ounces (1/2 cup) finely ground (in a coffee grinder) or grated bittersweet chocolate
1 cup milk (for best results use 2% fat or higher)
Whipped cream or marshmallows for garnish

In a saucepan, combine the chocolate and milk, and brink to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil 1 minute. Garnish with whipped cream or marshmallows. Serve immediately. Makes about 1 cup.

Spicy Hot Chocolate

1 recipe classic hot chocolate (above)
Pinch cinnamon
Pinch ground allspice
Pinch cardamom
Whipped cream, for garnish
Cinnamon stick, for garnish

Make classic hot chocolate, adding the cinnamon, allspice, and cardamom to the saucepan before bringing the mixture to a boil. Garnish with whipped cream and cinnamon stick. Serve immediately.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate
1 receipen classic hot chocolate (above)
2 Tbsp chopped mint leaves
Whipped cream, for garnish
Candy cane stick, for garnish

Make classic hot chocolate, addint the chopped mint leaves to the saucepan before bringing the mixture to a boil. Garnish with whipped cream and a candy cane stick.

Citrus Hot Chocolate

1 recipe classic hot chocolate (above)
2 oranges, peels only
Whipped cream, for garnish
Orange peel or slice, for garnish

Make classic hot chocolate, adding the orange peels to the saucepan before bringing the mixture to a boil. Strain the peels and discard. Garnish with whipped cream and an orange peel or slice.

White Caramel Hot Chocolate

2 ounces (1/2 cup) finely ground or grated white chocolate
1 cup milk (for best results use 2% fat or higher)
1 Tblsp caramel syrup
Whipped cream, for garnish
Caramel sauce, for garnish

In a saucepan, combine the white chocolate, milk, and caramel syrup, and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil 1 minutes. Garnish with whipped cream and drizzle with caramel sauce. Serve immediately. Makes about 1 cup.