[RECIPE CORNER]
Hot Chocolate Recipes
by Chelsea Scott
Did you know that National Hot Chocolate Day falls in January? If you’re a chocolate lover like me, you probably have it circled on your calendar already. Even if you’re not, I bet someone in your household is hopelessly devoted to the sweet stuff. Below, you’ll find a basic hot chocolate recipe, plus variations to try. It doesn’t have to be National Hot Chocolate Day (or even winter!) to enjoy a mug.
Hot Chocolate MIx
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
(preferably Dutch process)
• 2 cups nonfat dry milk powder
• ½ tsp. salt
• 7 oz. dark chocolate bar, roughly chopped
Add ingredients to a food processor and pulse until combined and the chocolate is finely chopped.
Store in an airtight container.
To serve, combine 6 oz. hot water or milk of choice with 4-5 Tbsp. of mix, depending on your taste.
Next, try these fun variations. Start with a mug of the prepared mix above and stir or whisk in different flavorings!
Note: all variation measurements are for one serving.
Mexican Hot Chocolate
• ¼ tsp. cinnamon
• ¼ tsp. vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp. chili powder
• pinch of cayenne pepper
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
• ⅛ tsp. peppermint extract
Garnish with a peppermint stick!
Caramel Hot Chocolate
• 1 Tbsp. caramel sundae sauce
• Pinch of flakey salt
Top with whipped cream, more caramel sauce and salt.
Cake batter Hot Chocolate
• 2-3 Tbsp. yellow cake mix
Top with whipped cream and rainbow sprinkles.
.
Orange Hot Chocolate
• 1 scant drop orange extract
Top with mini marshmallows.