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Hot Chocolate = Not a Care in the World
Written By ErinR on Oct. 10, 2007.
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There's about one week a year in Costa Rica where it rains almost constantly. That week began 2 days ago, and it's damp, dark, and COLD outside, which has caused my body to desire deep hibernation. This isn't exactly feasible, what with work and everything, so I've turned to soup, tea, and hot cocoa to keep me warm and awake.
Hot cocoa from a mix is like pudding from a powder: edible, but if you're going to indulge, you ought to really indulge. So I make my hot chocolate from scratch, and thought I'd share my recipe with all of you who are heading into cold winter months. It'll help!
Hot Chocolately Cocoa
makes 3 servings
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 cup white sugar
1 pinch salt
1/3 cup boiling water
2 cups milk
2 cups evaporated milk
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
whipped cream (optional)
Combine the cocoa, sugar and pinch of salt in a saucepan, then stir in boiling water until you have a homogenous melted mixture (you may want to use a whisk). Bring to an easy boil while you stir for about 2 minutes, taking care to not let it scorch. Stir in 2 cups of milk, 2 cups evap milk and heat until very hot, but not boiling. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Top with whipped cream if you so desire (for that coffee house experience). Divide between 3 large mugs. Enjoy!
destructar
Written Oct. 10, 2007 / Report /
Sounds good... I use the sub-par instant mix while at work... just had a cup today.
Definitely does not compare to the home made brew, but it does the job none-the-less.
ErinR
Written Oct. 10, 2007 / Report /
Powdered cocoa certainly does work in a pinch! I don't believe in pure food snobdom; if that were the case, then I'd hardly ever eat at all (and I would be C.R.A.N.K.Y!), and no standard is worth starving myself over. :)
estarla
Written Oct. 10, 2007 / Report /
Oh Erin, this sounds really delicious. I will take this recipe up to Mammoth with me for our mornings before boarding. :) It's snowed, already!
missginsu
Written Oct. 10, 2007 / Report /
Mmm. I'm absolutely in favor of this topic.
For me, the perfect cup starts with a wee splash of whole milk in the bottom of a saucepan and an ounce or two of 72% dark chocolate (either wafers or bits broken from a bar).
Then I just whisk in enough milk to have a really rich, creamy hot chocolate with a slightly bittersweet edge.
Hooray for the return of hot chocolate season!
joshawesome
Written Oct. 10, 2007 / Report /
I was hoping to be able to bask in the glory of hot cocoa by now, but apparently, global warming doesn't like the north east and we've been expiriencing 70-80 degree weather up until now. It's finally raining and cold here in Ohio.
This however, brings about another problem for me, as I don't have any winter clothing. Not even a jacket. :-/
peroty
Written Oct. 10, 2007 / Report /
It's 78 degrees.
One day it might get cold...
And when it turns cold, hot chocolate time it is!
bgilham
Written Oct. 11, 2007 / Report /
Thanks for the recipe Erin! I don't drink coffee, so i indulge in a hot chocolate or seven almost every day. I think I'll give your version a shot.
alisa
Written Oct. 11, 2007 / Report /
This morning I was just wishing I had a good cocoa recipe. It's cold in Arizona (no, really).
Mmm thanks!
ErinR
Written Oct. 11, 2007 / Report /
If you guys make it, I'd be interested to know how you think it compares to your recipes... if there's something better out there, I'm all for trying it!
TheCook
Written Nov. 9, 2007 / Report /
great recipe! there's nothing as good as a hot chocolate on a cold cold day. Tea and coffee just don't quite hit the spot!