Beyond the Mug: Craft Hot Chocolate Like a Chocolatier

Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
This recipe creates rich, delicious hot chocolate that's easy to customize to your taste.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups milk (whole milk for extra creaminess, but any milk works!)
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ cup sugar (white, brown, or a mix depending on your preference)
• Pinch of salt
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
• Optional toppings: whipped cream, marshmallows, chopped chocolate, cinnamon, peppermint extract, chili flakes
Instructions:
1. Prep the Cocoa: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the cocoa powder and sugar. Sifting the cocoa powder beforehand helps prevent clumps.
2. Heat the Milk: Pour the milk into the saucepan with the cocoa powder and sugar mixture. Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, whisking constantly.
3. Simmer, Don't Boil: Bring the mixture to a simmer (small bubbles around the edges). Do not let it boil, as this can make the hot chocolate taste burnt.
4. Whisk in the Creamy Goodness: Once simmering, whisk in the salt and vanilla extract. If you're using heavy cream for extra richness, add it now and whisk it in until fully incorporated.
5. Customize Your Creation: This is where you get creative! Add chopped chocolate (dark, milk, or white!), a sprinkle of cinnamon for warmth, a dash of peppermint extract for a festive twist, or even a pinch of chili flakes for a surprising kick.
6. Serve and Savor: Pour your hot chocolate into your favorite mug and top it off with your favorite garnishes! Whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate shavings – the choice is yours!
Tips:
• For a thicker hot chocolate, whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold milk) before heating the mixture.
• Want to make a big batch? This recipe easily doubles or triples.
• Leftover hot chocolate can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Enjoy your delicious homemade hot chocolate!