Hot Chocolate

The blog is having it's tenth birthday! Double digits! A full decade! Half of a score! A milestone! It's crazy to think that I have been cooking and creating for the past ten years. Whenever I ask myself what is it that keeps me invested in this labor of love (non-income generating) side hustle, the answer is (public) validation and encouragement. While I spend more than my fair share of time self-reflecting, nothing is more energizing than getting feedback. Whether that be a comment on a Facebook or Instagram post, being tagged in a post of a recipe you made from the blog, hearing your stories about the accolades you have gotten for making these recipes, or for the messages about a recipe (especially the ones where you find a hiccup in my ingredient list), I continue to be beyond grateful for all forms of public support and encouragement. So thank you for helping to sustain not only my passion for sharing recipes and the things I have learned about food over the years, but for pushing me to be a better baker, cook, and blogger! And with this being the year of the rabbit, I am energized to keep this ten year old blog going!

What better way to kick off a new year or to celebrate a milestone than with a luscious, creamy, chocolatey, soul warming Hot Chocolate! The perfect beverage to have you feeling all warm and cozy on a chilly winter day. 

Made with whole milk, heavy whipping cream, milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, instant espresso and a pinch of flaky sea salt, this Hot Chocolate is deserving of all the accolades I can possibly think of. Including, but not limited to, worthy of being referred to as droolworthy decadence. Channel an imagined ten year old self as an excuse for topping the Hot Chocolate with freshly whipped cream, a homemade marshmallow, and a dusting of cocoa powder for a pure bliss experience.  And think gloriously rich. 

Of course, you could drink the Hot Chocolate completely unadorned. 

Or maybe the only added bit of self-indulgence you need is a generous dollop of freshly whipped, lightly sweetened whipped cream. 

What makes this Hot Chocolate so darn delicious is the use of equal parts milk and semi-sweet chocolate. The milk chocolate gives it right amount of sweetness while the semi-sweet chocolate adds a hint of richness. The lusciousness of the Hot Chocolate comes from the use of both whole milk and heavy whipping cream. The 3 to 1 ratio of milk to cream adds a heavenly element to the Hot Chocolate. A pinch of flaky sea salt and an eighth of teaspoon of instant espresso powder are two other ingredients setting this Hot Chocolate apart from all others. Do I dare say this may be the BEST EVER Hot Chocolate? I think that may be the easiest dare challenge to accept!

Winter will be here for a while, so you have plenty of time and opportunity to savor some cups of Hot Chocolate. It pairs perfectly with a good book, a plate of cookies, a roaring fire, and/or the company of good friends. 

If you don't already, I would love for you to follow me on Instagram (lynnkrizic)! It's there where you will get previews of upcoming blog posts and access to reels, along with getting other insights into my sources of inspiration as well as my passions. 

Recipe

Hot Chocolate

2 Servings

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups whole milk

1/2 cup whipping cream 

2 ounces (57g) milk chocolate chips (or chopped milk chocolate)

2 ounces (57g) semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chopped semi-sweet chocolate)

1/8 teaspoon instant espresso (or 1/4 teaspoon vanilla)

Pinch of flaky sea salt

1/2 cup whipping cream 

1 Tablespoon confectionary sugar

Optional, but really good: Homemade Vanilla Marshmallows and/or dusting of cocoa powder

Directions

Whipped Cream

1. In a medium sized bowl whip the heavy cream and confectionary sugar until hefty (but not stiff) peaks form.

2. Place bowl in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Hot Chocolate

1. In a heavy bottomed saucepan, heat the milk and heavy cream until light bubbles begin to form and is well heated (do not let boil).

2. Remove from heat and add in the milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, espresso powder and flaky sea salt. Let sit for four minutes without stirring. After four minutes use a whisk to blend the melted chocolate into the milk/cream until well blended. Return the pan to the heat and simmer for 1-2 minutes to bring the temperature up.

3. Equally divide the hot chocolate between two mugs.

4. Top with a generous dollop (or two) of freshly whipped cream.

5. If using, top with homemade (or store-bought marshmallows) and/or a dusting of cocoa powder.

6. Enjoy immediately.

Notes: (1) I used Guittard's Milk Chocolate and Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips. Use your favorite milk and/or semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chocolate) for the hot chocolate if you can't find them. (2) If you don't have a scale, 2 ounces of chocolate chips or chopped chocolate is about. 1/3 of a cup. (3) I love the pillowy texture of these Homemade Vanilla Marshmallows but use your favorite marshmallows if you aren't making them yourself.

Door County, Wisconsin (September 2022)