During the fall season, the leaves change and the air turns cool and crisp. With frigid temperatures this autumn, there is nothing like a cozy treat to help warm you up. One of the best warm drinks of the season is hot chocolate. You can enjoy hot chocolate in your thermos while camping or in the football stands as well as delight in a cup as you are curled up on the couch with a good book. While instant hot chocolate or cocoa can be made with boiling water or steamed milk with a packet of sweet confection, there is something to be said about a mug of homemade hot chocolate. There are several recipes out there, but if enjoy your hot chocolate with a hint of spice, then you might want to warm up this fall with this hot chocolate recipe from Simply Stacie.
Hot Chocolate Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups of milk
- 1/4 cup of chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of real vanilla extract
- Pinch of Nutmeg
- Whipped cream
- Star anise
- Cinnamon sticks
- Additional cinnamon for garnishing
Simply Stacie’s recipe says that either 2% or whole milk can be used to make this hot chocolate. Of course, if you have dietary restrictions, then a milk substitute will work as well. Your milk choice will simply determine how velvety your hot chocolate turns out. If you do not have dietary issues and want a creamy beverage, then it is best to use whole milk. This particular recipe uses chocolate chips for a richer flavor. While Simply Stacie keeps the middle ground by using semi-sweet chocolate chips, you can go for a milder taste with milk chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips if you want a more decadent hot chocolate. Again, you can use imitation vanilla extract, but there is something about using real ingredients that create a deeper flavor profile. Remember also that the ingredients make one cup of hot chocolate, so be certain to double or even triple the recipe’s ingredients if you are planning to make hot chocolate for several others.
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Cooking Instructions
To make this hot chocolate, you will heat both the milk and chocolate chips over medium heat in a medium-sized pot. Be sure to stir the mixture constantly until all the chocolate has melted. This should take around five minutes. Next, you will stir in the cocoa powder, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and nutmeg. Stir these ingredients in with the melted chocolate for about three minutes. You are then ready to pour the hot chocolate into mugs. You have the option to top the hot chocolate with whipped cream and powdered cinnamon as well as garnish with cinnamon sticks and star anise; but if you are making a truly indulgent treat, then why would you want to make it optional?
Whether you make this in the morning for a special weekend breakfast or as an evening treat around a bonfire with friends, this hot chocolate recipe is the perfect way to warm up and bring a smile to your face. Enjoy the season with a sip of this delicious hot chocolate.
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