Winter is here!
We are somehow nearing the end of November already (where does the time go?) and that means colder weather here in the UK and the US. We actually love the winter, as it means plenty of time is spent indoors hanging out with family and friends and eating and drinking plenty of hearty and warming things. There is just nothing quite like sitting inside with a hot cup of tea or coffee and a slice of delicious cake while a storm rages outside. As long as we aren’t outside during it, because then we hate winter 😂 Anyway, we want to know what you are most looking forward to this winter? For us, it is definitely Christmas! Leave us a comment down below letting us know how you are feeling heading into the end of November and start of December.
Hot Chocolate vs Hot Cocoa
Needless to say, once the weather started getting cold, we started craving all the hot drinks. Mulled wine, apple cider, Irish coffee, you name it. But truly nothing can be better than a delicious cup of hot chocolate! And yes, we are hot chocolate fanatics. None of that powdered mix that you just stir into milk. Instead, we would suggest melting down chocolate to create the luscious chocolate drink of your dreams. Of course, it is acceptable to add a bit of cocoa powder if you want more of a chocolate flavor 😉 And you need to add whipped cream on top to make the most luxurious cup of hot chocolate ever! A fun way to incorporate this into your holiday celebrations is to make a hot chocolate bar, where people can add different toppings and you can even have milk or white chocolate options.
How to make varm chokolade
This could not be a simpler process so I will keep it short and sweet. Whip your heavy cream ahead of time to make your whipped cream. We do not add sugar to it because we do not like it sweet but you can if you want to! Then, combine milk, sugar, salt, vanilla, and cocoa powder (optional) in a small pot on the stove. Heat this until steam begins to rise but do not bring to a boil. Add the chopped chocolate and whisk until well-combined. Then, pour into mugs, top with whatever your heart desires, and enjoy!
Varm Chokolade (Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream)
Ingredients
- 600 ml (2.5* cups) milk (*we use large mugs for this, so you can cut this down to two cups for smaller mugs!)
- 1.5 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla paste or vanilla extract
- 80 grams (1/2 cup) chopped chocolate/chocolate chips (we prefer using dark chocolate for this, but use whatever you prefer!)
- 2 tsp cocoa powder (optional – we find you get plenty of chocolate flavor with the chopped chocolate, but you can add this for a richer flavor!)
- Pinch of salt
TOPPING
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) heavy whipping cream
- Chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
- If adding whipped cream to the top, whip the heavy cream to your preferred stiffness (Note: we don't add sugar to our whipped cream, but feel free to do so!).
- Combine milk, sugar, salt, vanilla, and cocoa powder in a small pot on the stove. Whisk to combine.
- Heat on low heat until you start to see steam coming off the top. You don't want this to boil, as you want to make sure the milk doesn't form a skin on the top!
- Once the mixture has come up to a warmer temperature, add in the chopped chocolate or chocolate chips and whisk until everything is fully combined.
- Divide evenly between two mugs and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Enjoy!
Simple and rich, thank you for sharing your recipe! I added some spices and used unsweetened cacao, and sweetened with raw honey ♥
That sounds delicious – thanks for using our recipe and for leaving a lovely comment 🙂