Brrrr. That’s the only sound I’ve been making for the past couple of days. We can’t quite remember the last time the temperatures reached a two-digit number. It’s been bitter cold not just here but throughout the entire country and all I can think of are warm and cuddly things. What embodies that more than a cup of steaming cocoa? Making hot chocolate from scratch couldn’t be easier. One sip of this delectable beverage and you’ll bid adieu to powdered packages for good. Let’s indulge!

Nothing compares to the deep and rich color of this cocoa. If you love the look of warm, hot chocolate filling the cup, you’ll be even more amazed at the incredible taste – preferably while wrapped in your favorite blanket in front of a crackling fire with festive tunes filling the air.

Sipping Hot Chocolate contains real chocolate that’s been melted in simmering milk. It’s typically not as sweet as powdered hot chocolate and thicker in consistency. Until last year, I was familiar with the term Drinking Chocolate and learned of Sipping Chocolate by accident. Both refer to the same beverage. Once I tried it, I knew I was hooked for life. Whenever I have a craving for a cup of cocoa, nothing quite satisfies like a homemade version. So consider yourself warned.

This recipe takes less than 5 minutes to whip up. I am not just saying that. I have had to work a lot faster since the sun pretty much starts setting at 4 PM now. Natural light is simply irreplaceable when it comes to food photography.  As I was rushing home the other day, I knew I wanted to make this cocoa and have it ready for you today. As I was running late, I didn’t think it was possible to produce something delicious within minutes. Besides taking a good picture, I always strive to provide you with tried and true recipes. After all, the most important thing is that my food tastes good! At 3:15 PM I started warming up my milk and chopping up a couple of squares of dark chocolate. Before I knew it, I had created the most amazing smelling and wonderfully composed cup of sipping chocolate. As I looked up at our kitchen clock, 3:42 PM appeared just as I had finished cleaning up the entire kitchen and sat down to enjoy my sweet concoction. If you aren’t planning on styling your cocoa and making a huge mess in the process, you will be able to sit down and sip your homemade cocoa within the promised 5-minute-mark :).

Raise your cup to staying warm, happy, and healthy this season!

Have a lovely start to your week.

Sipping Hot Chocolate

2013-12-05 12:26:14

Serves 2

Enjoy a relaxing winter afternoon by indulging in a cup of Sipping Hot Chocolate. Santa and his elves approve!

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Ingredients

1. 3 cups whole milk
2. 3 tablespoons cocoa powder (Hershey's Special Dark)
3. 2 tablespoons sugar
4. pinch of salt
5. pinch of cinnamon
6. pinch of nutmeg
7. 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
8. 3 ounces milk, bittersweet or dark chocolate (I used dark)

Instructions

1. 1. Pour milk into a saucepan and heat until hot (not boiling), stirring frequently.
2. 2. Meanwhile, in a small bowl mix together cocoa powder, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside. Chop chocolate of choice into small chunks. Set aside as well.
3. 3. Once the milk is simmering, remove 3 tablespoons and stir into the dry ingredients until a paste forms. Turn heat to low and add paste to the hot milk and whisk until fully incorporated. Add vanilla and chocolate chunks. Continue stirring until chocolate is completely melted.
4. Serve in your favorite mugs and top with whipped cream, mini marshmallows and a dusting of cocoa powder.

Notes

1. This recipe can easily be doubled.
2. Pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg equals to about 1/4 teaspoon together.

By Deliciously Yum!

Deliciously Yum! http://deliciouslyyum.com/