With the UK currently being battered by the tail end of the storm that dumped a whole load of snow on the east coast of the USA (I’m not jealous. Nope, not at all), a delicious cup of warming hot chocolate is definitely in order.
I have spent quite a bit of time searching for a perfect hot chocolate recipe that was also simple. And quick. That is probably more important than simple. Although now I think about it in order to be quick it needs to be simple. Anyway . . .
I have tried many combinations, varying the milk used, the hot chocolate powder and / or chocolate granules to find that holy grail of liquid chocolate perfection.
And I think I may have finally done it.
Although this is only makes a small amount, it packs a mighty chocolate hit, which is ultimately what I was after. Smooth, chocolatey, coats your lips in a sinful way, what more could you ask for?
I used unsweetened almond milk, but you can use whatever milk you prefer or if you want to be a true purist then you can use water. I didn’t add any sweetener to mine as I love my chocolate rich and dark, but go ahead and add – no more than – a teaspoon of sugar if you wish.
I finished mine with a teaspoon of double cream and a grating of fresh nutmeg. Both of these are optional, but I would recommend the cream. It makes the perfect finishing touch.
What isn’t optional is the simmering of the mixture. It is what takes it from mediocre watery to opulent creaminess.
So if you are currently suffering with atrocious weather; I prescribe a day on the sofa with a duvet, a mountain of movies and a cup or two of this hot chocolate. Bliss.
Simple Hot Chocolate
Ingredients:
- 20g dark chocolate, at least 70% cocoa solids, chopped
- 100ml milk of your choice, or water
- 1 tsp sugar max., optional
- 1 tsp double cream, to serve
- Grating of fresh nutmeg, optional
Method:
- Place the chocolate and the milk (or water) into a small pan.
- Over a medium to low heat bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally to help the chocolate melt.
- Once the chocolate has melted simmer for 5 minutes or so, until the mixture has thickened a little.
- Pour into a cup and swirl over the cream and grate over the nutmeg, if using.
© The Pink Rose Bakery 2015
The Pink Rose Bakery 
Hey Kirsten!
I’m definitely going to be trying this recipe now that we’re entering the colder months. There’s nothing better than a cup of homemade hot chocolate if you ask me.
I also wanted to let you know that I nominated you for the Sunshine Award! The details and questions can be found here if you’re interested:
https://whatmakesmeamber.wordpress.com/2015/09/14/the-sunshine-award/
Happy cooking and happy blogging!
– Amber 🙂
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Thank you 🙂
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Ohh this looks so good! I’m going to try it this afternoon to fight the gloomy and cold weather outside. 😉
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Ohh, lovely! Hope it works 🙂
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It did..! =)
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That looks divine and dangerous. I’d love one of these on a Sunday afternoon.
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That is exactly when I had my first one. If there happens to be a blanket and a sofa involved too then you are onto a winner!
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This looks absolutely delicious! Real hot chocolate is just so much better than the powdered stuff isn’t it. The best hot chocolate I’ve ever had was in Russia, it was so dark and thick and rich. You could almost eat it with a spoon. The perfect thing when its cold and nasty outside. xx
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100% the real stuff is better than the powder. I think I have tried them all in search of one that I really like! I have even tried adding chocolate to them to try and make them taste better, but nothing worked. I shall be sticking to the real stuff from now on! xx ps – I remember the photo on Instagram of that Russian hot chocolate. It looked divine!
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That does sound delicious. 20 years ago, I developed an addiction to Spanish hot chocolate, the thick glutinous kind you dunk your churros into. This sounds very similar, and would need only the addition of a tiny smidge of cornflour blended with some of the milk to develop the correct amount of thick, puddingy deliciousness. Yours is more austere and sophisticated, though!
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Ah yes, I am familiar with that thick kind. I however find it weird to drink (like trying to drink custard), but it is so great for dunking!
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Exactly. Or eating with a spoon. I found it bizarre the first time, but the intensity of the taste kept me coming back for more, and now I adore it.
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