Rich & Creamy Hot Chocolate

Whether it’s a chilly autumn afternoon or a cold winter night, it doesn’t get better than drinking chocolate. While we’re all for the convenience of store-bought cocoa packages for a quick cocoa fix, once in a while it’s nice to splurge on some rich and creamy homemade hot chocolate. If you have a little extra time one night for a tasty treat, give it a try and see which one you prefer!

AUTUMN

Are you sick of everything pumpkin spice? This salted caramel hot chocolate is the perfect transitional drink to take you from fall to winter.

INGREDIENTS:

1. 1 cup heavy cream
2. 2 cups milk
3. 1 cup bittersweet chocolate (chopped or chips)
4. 2 tbsp sugar
5. Salted Caramel Sauce (to taste)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Dissolve the sugar in a small saucepan of milk and cream over medium heat until the sides start to bubble
2. Melt the chocolate by microwaving and stirring in 30-second intervals.
3. Turn the heat off the milk and whisk in the melted chocolate mixture.
4. Whisk in salted caramel sauce to taste.
5. Top with your favorite garnish (including more caramel sauce)!

Salted caramel sauce: Heat 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1/4 cup of water in large saucepan on high. Stir constantly until boiling mixture reaches an amber color (be careful because it burns quickly). Remove from heat and slowly whisk in 2/3 cup of room-temperature heavy whipping cream. Once thats incorporated, mix in 4 tablespoons of butter, then 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, then salt (preferably fleur de sel or other finishing salt) to taste.

WINTER

Peppermint is a classic when it comes to winter flavors. For a twist, try adding some frozen whipped topping cut into winter shapes!

INGREDIENTS:

1. 1 cup heavy cream
2. 2 cups milk
3. 1 cup bittersweet chocolate (chopped or chips)
4. 2 tbsp sugar
5. 2 drops peppermint extract
6. 1/8 teaspoon of salt

DIRECTIONS:

1. Dissolve the sugar in a small saucepan of milk and cream over medium heat until the sides start to bubble
2. Melt the chocolate by microwaving and stirring in 30-second intervals.
3. Turn the heat off the milk and whisk in the melted chocolate mixture.
4. Whisk in 2 drops of peppermint extract and 1/8 teaspoon of salt.
5. To make your hot chocolate extra sweet, stir it with a candy cane before garnishing with your favorite toppings.

Whipped Topping Shapes: Mix 1/4 cup of water with a tub of cool whip. Spread the whip into an even layer on top of wax paper (about 1/2 to 1 inch thick). Freeze several hours or overnight. Once frozen, cut out shapes with cookie cutters (work quickly as these melt fast!)