Hot Drinking Chocolate

As the temperatures continue to plummet across northern Michigan, we start to seek ways to warm ourselves up. We wear layers, and we crank up the heat in our cars and homes. We break out our winter coats and hats and mittens. We tend to find more excuses than usual to stay at home and lie on the couch encompassed in blankets and pets while reading, watching the Lions and Spartans on television, or scrolling mindlessly on our phones. Wait, that last one might just pertain to me. . . And, we tend to drink more hot beverages.  

I have always been a fan of hot cocoa and hot chocolate. After a long day of playing in the snow, my mom would make my brother and me that simple old-fashioned hot cocoa over the stove that consisted of cocoa powder, sugar, and milk or water, and we would add mini marshmallows or whipped cream. It would warm our bodies from the inside and was delicious. It wasn’t until later that I discovered true hot chocolate, and the difference between the two drinks. (In case you also didn’t know, hot cocoa is made from cocoa powder, and hot chocolate, while it may contain cocoa powder, is made from actual chocolate.) 

While I was studying in Spain my junior year in college, on campus they had a machine that would dispense various drinks, one of which was a chocolate caliente, a thick, rich chocolate drink that filled a small cup. Though made for sipping (or for dipping your churros) several of us would drink the liquid quickly for a strong, smooth, liquid, chocolate treat before our classes. France and Italy enjoy a similar drinking chocolate, as do many Americans. This recipe is a combination of all of these.  

Hot Drinking Chocolate

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• ¼ to ½ teaspoon espresso powder (optional, but highly recommended)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup of water
• 2 and 2/3 cups of milk (whole milk makes it the creamiest, but you can substitute other milks as well)
• 1 and 1/3 cup of heavy cream
• 8 ounces of semisweet chocolate chips or bar, chopped.

Directions:

• In a small pot, place all ingredients and whisk over medium low to medium heat, until chocolate is thoroughly melted and the mixture is heated through and smooth.

Makes 4 servings

Enjoy this decadent drink the next time you crave something warm and delicious. Top it with marshmallows, whipped cream, cinnamon, or shaved chocolate for an added treat.