I am so far behind. Usually by this time, I have put a good dent in my holiday shopping, my house is decorated, and my gingerbread house made and covered in candy. Not this year. We bought a tree this morning, and it is the first thing that we really have done to celebrate the holidays. Life has been so busy. In such a good way, I have been so fortunate to be doing some work that I am truly proud of, but it has been my main focus for the last week or so. Now I am ready to focus on the holidays and spending them with my family. I cannot wait.
I have to be fair, and tell you that I have never actually had a sip of this hot chocolate. I do not drink milk, so I steer clear. But I felt that I had to share this with you, because my children and the kids in the neighborhood have declared this the “best hot chocolate ever”. I made a big pot last week when it was really cold. All of the kids were outside playing, bundled in hats and mittens, and with rosy, rosy, cheeks. They were not about to come in to get warm, so I decided to bring some warm to them. I brought out cups of steaming hot chocolate, they came running, and it was gone in moments. If I were a hot chocolate drinking kind of girl, this is what I would want. It is almost a drinkable pudding. It is rich and thick. Deep, dark, chocolate, sea salt and vanilla just bring out all of the delicious flavors. I made some whipped cream (by hand no less) and added some marshmallows. I might also make an adult version with a splash of rum, peppermint schnapps, Grand Marnier, Amaretto, Baileys. A perfect way drink for a cold, wintery day.
This recipe came from Southern Living Magazine, January 2009.
4 cups whole milk
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 (3.5-ounce) dark chocolate bars (70% cocoa)
1/3 cup honey
2 teaspoons vanilla
heavy pinch of sea salt
Heat 3 1/2 cups of milk over medium heat until the milk begins to bubble around the edges.
Meanwhile, whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup milk and cornstarch until dissolved. Set aside.
Chop or grate the chocolate. The finer the pieces, the faster it will melt in the hot milk.
When the milk begins to bubble around the edges, add the chocolate, honey, vanilla, and sea salt.
Whisk in the milk and cornstarch mixture.
Let the hot chocolate come to a bubble, stirring occasionally. It should take about 5 minutes. The mixture will thicken, let cool slightly, and ladle into mugs.
If you want to make it extra special, whip some heavy cream. I even whipped this cream by hand. I have not done that in ages. I added a teaspoon or two of sugar, and a handful of marshmallows.
Add a cute little chocolate cookie, and you have a very special treat on a cold, winter day.
Rich and Creamy Hot Chocolate
Rich and Creamy Hot Chocolate - this is serious hot chocolate. So thick and velvety. Perfect on a snow day.
Ingredients
- 4 cups whole milk
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 (3.5-ounce) dark chocolate bars (70% cocoa)
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- heavy pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Heat 3 1/2 cups of milk over medium heat until the milk begins to bubble around the edges.
- Meanwhile, whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup milk and cornstarch until dissolved. Set aside.
- Chop or grate the chocolate. The finer the pieces, the faster it will melt in the hot milk.
- When the milk begins to bubble around the edges, add the chocolate, honey, vanilla, and sea salt.
- Whisk in the milk and cornstarch mixture.
- Let the hot chocolate come to a bubble, stirring occasionally. It should take about 5 minutes. The mixture will thicken, let cool slightly, and ladle into mugs.
Nutrition Information:
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 0Total Fat: 0g
This Post Has 40 Comments
We bought our tree today too and it was also the first thing we have done to celebrate Christmas. My husband and I were talking about starting Christmas traditions now that our son is 15 months old. I think I’m going to incorporate this recipe into one of our traditions. Thanks for sharing this recipe with us.
that is a nice tradition, we make gingerbread houses. It is always one of my favorite holiday activities.
This sounds absolutely lovely 🙂
thank you Katrina.
This looks so unbelievably decadent. I never would have thought to mix the whipped cream with marshmallows, it’s genius! I can see why the kids loved it.
I can’t credit, it was all Southern Living’s idea.
LOVE your blog…thank you! I am not a cook AT ALL and have been learning/practicing with your great recipes. I can’t do honey and am wondering what I might use instead yet still keep the great taste.
Brown sugar would be a really good substitute.
yumm-darn my lactose intolerance!! Your little girl is precious!
That hot chocolate sounds so decadently delicious.
it is! Almost like drinking pudding.
Mmm, this looks like the perfect rich and creamy hot chocolate! I also love the decorated cup. Snowmen can be so cute 🙂
it is, and I love snowmen. They are adorable.
Oh this looks wonderful, I would love to have a cup of that right now!
It is!
This sounds absolutely divine. Marshmallows plus whipped cream? I die. I’m totally adding some espresso powder 🙂
Also – so glad you’re back online!
oohhh, that is a good idea!
Glad to see that your blog is back up and running… this hot chocolate looks so rich, especially with the marshmallows on top!
Me too! Website nightmare. My kids went nuts for this hot chocolate.
I just had one yesterday, sitting in my couch, trying to read magazines but sterring at my Christmas tree… Actually, feeling the Christmas spirit in advance! Then I was kinda sleepy with all the sugar but still feeling good and comfy! 🙂
I am glad that you liked it!
This was a resounding success at the Stratcom holiday open house. Many grown ups in sugar shock!
That is good to hear, did you spike it for them?
Love this. I am wishing I had a cup right now. Thanks for sharing 🙂
-Joanne
It is beyond hot chocolate. So rich and creamy.
I am so going to make this.
I hope that you do.
Just made this, it tastes soo good! Thanks for sharing it!
you are welcome!
How many cups does this make? And I must agree that whipped cream and marshmallow combo is genius!
4.