Sunday, January 2, 2011

Creamy Hot Chocolate



I honestly don't know if anything is more rewarding then a cup of hot cocoa after a cold day outside. I remember deliberately playing in the snow as a kid, my cheeks and nose getting cold and rosy, knowing that it was all going to be topped off with a steamy, rich cup of hot chocolate.


I still love hot chocolate, but what I don't like is that powdery stuff trying to front as hot chocolate. Let's face it, you could shovel heaps of that sweetened dirt into your cup, it just doesn't cut it. I need the real thing.

My husband is actually the one that found this recipe. This is the real stuff folks, thick, creamy, chocolatey goodness that will make you feel like a kid again. You'll jump in a big pile of snow just to get a cup!


Creamy Hot Chocolate
Found on Allrecipes

Ingredients

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 cup white sugar
1 pinch salt
1/3 cup boiling water
3 1/2 cups milk
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup half-and-half cream

Directions

Combine the cocoa, sugar and pinch of salt in a saucepan. Blend in the boiling water. Bring this mixture to an easy boil while you stir. Simmer and stir for about 2 minutes. Watch that it doesn't scorch. Stir in 3 1/2 cups of milk and heat until very hot, but do not boil! Remove from heat and add vanilla. Divide between 4 mugs. Add the cream to the mugs of cocoa to cool it to drinking temperature.

20 comments:

Julie said...

Sounds rich and wonderful , and I love those sprinkles on top!

Erica said...

Oh my goodness- this looks SO yummy. The sprinkles on top totally complete it. I oddly love quick powder though...weird, I know! I don't like the chocolate syrupy stuff though ;)

Jersey Girl Cooks said...

Looks so yummy and festive!

Mary Bergfeld said...

This really looks over the top delicious. Your photos are also wonderful. I hope you are having a great day. Blessings...Mary

Lara said...

Your description made me laugh...I know that my kids play outside in the snow just to get a cup of cocoa afterward. This one looks like one I need to file away for the next snowstorm. :)

Cooking Creation said...

Mmmm this sounds yummy and would be perfect for a cold day like today!

Barbara said...

If you're gonna drink it, make it rich and divine! And this is....oh my. Nothing better when coming in from the cold.

The Blonde Duck said...

That sounds lovely!

Anonymous said...

Wow - that looks delicious! My daughter is the hot chocolate person in our family. I'll have to make this for her.

Happy New Year Teresa! :D

JG said...

This sounds wonderful, and the colorful sprinkles are so neat!
~Judy

Velva said...

Isn't the real cocoa amazing? I think I died and went to heaven. Yours looks fabulous. I just need a fireplace and some cookies too.

Velva

Heather S-G said...

I would take a snowball in the face for a steaming cup of this ;) YUM! Love the cute little sprinkles, too. Happy New Year to you and your fam, Teresa :D

chow and chatter said...

oh wow this does look great my parents got me some cadburys cocoa from the UK drinking it a lot :-)

Diana's Cocina said...

Comfort in a cup ~ Love the sprinkles

Anonymous said...

IT's SO SO delicious! :)
happy new year

Ciao Ciao from Rome
BExCLUSIVE MAGAZINE

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Donna-FFW said...

Looks absolutely perfect for winter.

Cathy said...

I just love a mug of yummy hot chocolate on dreary, cold winter mornings. What a lovely way to start the day.

Ann said...

This does look wonderful. I don't think there's a better winter treat than Hot Chocolate. And you're right, it's got to be the real thing!

SnoWhite said...

That cocoa looks and sounds fantastic. Those sprinkles just set it over the top!

Unknown said...

i really think it is good.. im gonna try that one.=)
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