Classic homemade hot cocoa is one of the ultimate holiday comfort foods. But melted chocolate and milk can get boring! mix it up with a couple these recipes from different regions and lifestyles. And these recipes even fit into your holiday budget!!! Want some heat? Try the Mexican Cuppa Spice recipe. Like chocolate mixed with fruit? The Banana Split style is ideal. All of these recipes makes four servings.
Layered Cocoa Mocha
Melt 4 ounces of chopped up bittersweet chocolate in the microwave with 1/4 cup of room temperature water. Remove it from the microwave and stir. Divide up this mixture into four cups, pouring it straight to the bottom. Add a spoonful of condensed milk on top of the chocolate, then layer a shot of hot espresso on top of the milk to create three layers. Sprinkle cinnamon or white chocolate bits on top of the espresso.
White Hot
In a pot, boil together 4 cups of milk, 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked pink peppercorns, 1 split vanilla bean and 8 ounces of chopped white chocolate. Use a whisk to thoroughly integrate the chocolate. Take off the heat, and throw away the vanilla bean. Divide evenly into four cups and top with pink peppercorns, shaved dark chocolate or cinnamon.
Banana Split
Boil 3 cups of milk, 2 tablespoons sugar, a tablespoon of cinnamon and 1 chopped banana to a boil in a pot. Throw in 4 to 5 ounces of freshly chopped milk or dark chocolate (whichever you prefer), and 1 ounce chopped bittersweet chocolate. Remove from the heat after melted. Let it sit for a couple minutes, then puree in the blender before dividing between cups. Top with chopped cherries, whipped cream and chopped nuts.
Mexican Cuppa Spice
Boil 1 cup milk, 2 cups water and 1 to 2 cinnamon sticks. Add 1/2 cup of the liquid to a bowl with 1/ cup corn flour, stirring thoroughly. Add this mixture back to the pot. Throw in 4 ounces of chopped bittersweet chocolate and 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar. Throw out cinnamon stick. Whisk until thick and blended. Stir in 2 tablespoons of cayenne pepper, and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Puree in a blender before dividing into cups. An added bonus? Cayenne and cinnamon are superfoods to help protect you against the flu and cold, and also help boost the metabolism!
Hot Cocoa Colada
Simmer two 14-ounce cans of coconut milk with 1 cup of water in a pot. Add 1/2 cup sugar and 9 ounces of chopped milk chocolate. Whisk to melt and combine. Add coconut rum (to the potency you desire) and garnish with toasted nuts, coconut and a dash of Kahlua liquor.
These hot cocoa recipes are sure to please, as they are a delicious twist on a regular classic. Experiment with different spices and flavors for fun, but remember: one can never go wrong with melted chocolate, milk and sugar for the old classic hot cocoa.
Lauren Wise - Lauren Wise has a BA in Journalism with an emphasis on Media Analysis and Criticism from the Walter Cronkite School of ...
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