Nothing is quite so warming and comforting as a cup of hot chocolate. Although it’s quick and easy to open a package of hot chocolate and pour it into boiling water, there is really no comparison to real hot chocolate that is made with fresh dairy cream and dark Dutch cocoa. Rich and Luscious Hot Chocolate is a cut above those powdered mix versions, and can be a versatile basic drink that invites any number of additions.

If you happen to own one of those hot chocolate machines that were popular a few years ago, this hot chocolate can be mixed in it and it will heat by itself; many of the machines also have a frother, so that’s a bonus too. However, if you don’t have one of the machines, it’s still easy to make luxurious hot chocolate. Since hot chocolate is a great addition to any winter buffet, it’s important to make sure it’s kept hot. A slow cooker is a good way to keep the chocolate hot, but don’t be tempted to use a percolator because the chocolate will scorch (I learned the hard way a few years ago when I catered a winter wedding with a hot chocolate bar).

If you’re planning to have guests over, you can set add-ins around the hot chocolate. Non-alcoholic coffee syrups come in great flavors: gingerbread, caramel, raspberry, pumpkin, cinnamon, peppermint, orange – to name a few, and can be added to hot chocolate, as well as liqueurs such as Bailey’s – you are limited only by your imagination and what happens to be in your cupboard or at your restaurant supply store. It’s also nice to have bowls of marshmallows, crushed peppermint candies, sprinkles, whipped cream, and ice cream syrups, all of which can make the hot chocolate an individualized treat for each guest.

6 Servings

3 cups whole milk
3/4 cup whipping cream
3 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened high-quality baking cocoa, preferably Dutch

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1. Measure the milk and whipping cream into a large microwave-safe bowl.
2. Measure the sugars and cocoa into a fine strainer set over the milk mixture.
3. Shake through, using the back of a spoon if necessary to push any lumps through.
4. Microwave about five minutes, or until the mixture boils.
5. Stir in vanilla, and if it’s convenient, you can use a frother.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 234 Calories from Fat 140
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 60% Protein 9% Carb. 31%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 16 g
Saturated Fat 10 g
Cholesterol 57 mg
Sodium 98 mg
Total Carbohydrate 18 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sugars 6 g
Protein 5 g

Vitamin A 12% Vitamin C 2% Calcium 0% Iron 3%