What could be more comforting than sitting in front of the fireplace sipping a decadent cup of wonderful creamy hot chocolate?
A buffet with all the “fixings” to decorate your hot chocolate will bring lots of oohs and aahs. It is an easy dessert or afternoon treat that will delight children and adults alike who enjoy spoiling themselves.
Set up a buffet tray or garnish bar and fill an arrangement of bowls with sprinkles, marshmallows, grated cinnamon and nutmeg, whipped cream, and long cinnamon and peppermint stick stirrers. Let everyone serve themselves. Enjoy!
Chocolaty hot chocolate
Serves 4
1 litre (4 cups) 2% milk
20 ml (4 tsp) unsweetened cocoa powder
2 squares of 50 ml (1/4 cup) semi-sweet dark chocolate, chopped fine
20 ml (4 tsp) sugar
In a medium saucepan, combine milk, cocoa powder, dark chocolate, and sugar. Heat, stirring constantly until the chocolate has melted and the milk is very hot (do not boil). Pour into a heated covered jug, and set out mugs.
Hot vanilla white chocolate with fluffy snow clouds
Serves 2
60 ml (4 tbsp) white chocolate, chopped fine
500 ml (2 cups) 2% milk
1/2 vanilla bean or 1 ml (1/4 tsp) pure vanilla extract
Divide white chocolate into two glass mugs and melt in microwave 20 seconds on high. For each drink, heat 250 ml (1 cup) milk with half the vanilla ingredient in the microwave for 90 seconds until scalded.
Using a hand frother, whip the milk until light, airy foam forms on top. Gently pour the milk into the glass mugs, holding back the foam on the top with a spoon. Stir to melt the white chocolate. Scoop the foam on top of each drink and decorate.
