Bittersweet Hot Chocolate

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There’s hot chocolate, and then there’s hot chocolate. This isn’t just hot cocoa, which most versions are- and don’t get me wrong, cocoa powder, especially a dark rich one, like Valrhona, makes an excellent cup, but adding some actual chocolate, and the best bittersweet bar you can find, adds a depth and richness that other kind of cocoa can only dream about. Drop in half a vanilla bean (expensive, but worth it!) and cinnamon stick to the brew and you have something that is positively indulgent.

  • SERVINGS: Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 ½ cups whole milk

  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 1 tablespoon Sugar in the Raw

  • Pinch of salt

  • 1 cup boiling water

  • 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped

  • ½ vanilla bean, scraped

  • 1 cinnamon stick

PREPARATION

  1. In a small saucepan, bring milk to almost simmering. Turn off heat. Add vanilla seeds and pod, and cinnamon stick. Cover and let steep 10 minutes.

  2. Combine cocoa, sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan over low heat. While whisking, gradually add boiling water to make a smooth paste. Add chopped chocolate and stir until melted.

  3. Remove vanilla pod and cinnamon sticks from milk and discard. Whisk milk into cocoa mixture. Continue heating and whisking until hot and frothy. Serve with a cinnamon stick and whipped cream, if desired.

DessertKris Mae WeissBittersweet Hot Chocolate, drinks, dessert, chocolate, cocoaComment