Spiced Hot Chocolate

With the frosty January on the calendar the mind stops to ponder on the climatic conditions everywhere in the world!At some places it is as hot as a furnace while some parts of the world are experiencing “one of the coldest winters” with unbelievable snowfall occurring in areas where there was not even a trace of snow till last year.

So here is a recipe for such days when we shiver to go out,don ourselves in mufflers,scarves and woollens and sit in front of a fireplace dreaming about beautiful days long past,and seeing the flames leap up and down thinking all the while of how fast the years passed and the years to come and what they herald!

Traditional hot chocolate is made with a block of cocoa rich chocolate,either dark or milk.Some people love to add a dash of Brandy,Rum,Irish Whisky or Bailey’s Irish Creme or Advocaat or coffee flavoured Liqueurs like Tia Maria.My combo is a good quality milk chocolate and a dash of Rum!If you are serving children then cut out the Alcohol.

Full cream milk gives a creamier and frothier beverage than toned milk.
You can whip 4 tbsp cream with 1 tbsp powdered sugar till it stands in peaks and pipe or spoon over the cup of hot chocolate.On this you can do the garnishing of Marshmallows et al!
You can use either cooking chocolate or commercial ones available.However opt for plain bars and not ones having dry fruits,nuts or Caramel.

Preparation Time : 20 minutes

Makes : 2 cups (serving Adults)

INGREDIENTS

For the Hot Chocolate :

2 cups full cream milk/toned milk

100 gms coarsely chopped dark/milk chocolate

2 tsp sugar

1 tsp Cinnamon powder

1/2 tsp Nutmeg Powder

1 tsp Vanilla Essence

1/2 tsp dry Ginger powder

A pinch of salt

1 tbsp Rum/Brandy/other Alcohol per cup (you can add according to taste)

For the Garnish :

5 – 6 small Marshmallows per cup

1 tbsp grated,mixed Chocolate (I took a mix of milk and white chocolate)

4 tbsp whipped cream (see notes) – optional

METHOD

For the Hot Chocolate:

Heat the milk on medium heat and when it comes to a boil lower the heat and add the chopped chocolate.Let the chocolate completely melt and then add the sugar,salt,cinnamon,nutmeg and ginger powders and Vanilla Essence.Whisk the liquid with a whisk rill it is frothy and take off heat.Add the Alcohol (if using) now and whisk again till combined.

Serve the Spiced,Hot Chocolate :

Pour into 2 serving cups and pipe or spoon the cream on top(if using).Arrange the Marshmallows and top with the grated chocolate.Serve hot!

Cheers to more dreams,desires and inspirations by the fireplace!