Yes, it’s super easy to heat up some water, open a packet and there you have it: hot chocolate. But, typically, it’s not very good hot chocolate and who knows what’s in those foil-lined envelopes. When the temperature drops and you’re jones-ing for a sweet pick-me-up, try these two recipes: one for a single serving and the other to feed a gang. You’ll soon taste how cocoa from scratch is worlds better than cocoa from a box.
Single-Serve Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 ounce good semisweet chocolate chips (such as Ghirardelli)
- 1 cup milk
Instructions
- Stir together cocoa, sugar and salt.
- In a small saucepan, mix cocoa mixture, chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of milk over medium-low heat. Stir continuously until chocolate is completely melted.
- Add the rest of the milk and stir. Heat until mixture is warm throughout.
- Pour into a mug and serve with whipped cream or marshmallows.
Hot Chocolate for the Neighborhood
Serves 8
Ingredients
- 6 Tbsp. unsweetened, Dutch-processed cocoa powder, plus more for sprinkling on top.
- 6 Tbsp. granulated sugar
- 1 /2 tsp. salt
- 1 1/2 cups of water
- 6 cups whole milk
- 12 ounces good semisweet chocolate chips (such as Ghirardelli)
- whipped cream for topping
Instructions
- Mix together cocoa powder, sugar and salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
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Bring water to a simmer in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk in cocoa powder mixture until no lumps remain.
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Add milk and return to a simmer. Whisk in chocolate chips and cook, stirring frequently, until mixture is smooth and creamy and chocolate is melted, about 5 minutes.
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Divide hot chocolate among mugs. Top with whipped cream and dust with cocoa powder.