European Hot Chocolate 1 | The Missing Lokness

The past weekend was kind of rough. Bryan’s car was broken into. His car was parked on the street overnight like normal. The next afternoon, we got in the car and realized the phone USB charger was missing. Then, we looked around and found out a few more things were gone. We got out of the car and saw the passenger’s side window was chipped and some of the car parts were broken. The car is barely 5 months old. No valuable things were visible before the incident. The thief only took away some non-valuable things, but the car repair will probably need about $400. It is heartbreaking. On the bright side, no one gets hurt and the car can be fixed easily. So all is good. But, Bryan and I definitely wouldn’t mind a cup of hot chocolate to make us feel better.

This hot chocolate is European style. It is really thick like a cup of melted chocolate. Smooth, creamy and warm. I swear that you will never go back to those hot chocolate packages after you try this! Now, go make a cup of hot chocolate and bundle up. 🙂

European Hot Chocolate 2 | The Missing Lokness

European Hot Chocolate (Adapted from David Lebovitz)

2 (½-cup) servings

Ingredients:

–   2 cups whole milk

–   5 ounce good quality bittersweet chocolate (finely chopped)

–   1 tablespoon light brown sugar

–   small pinch of salt

–   ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

–   chocolate shaving (optional)

Whipped cream:

–   ¼ cup cold heavy cream

–   2 – 3 teaspoons powdered sugar

–   ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

  1. In a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer with a whisk attachment, pour the heavy cream and whisk until slightly thicken. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Continue to whisk until soft peak form. Set aside.
  2. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, warm the milk. When the milk is warm, whisk in the chocolate. Stir constantly until the chocolate is melted and the milk is steaming hot. Turn the heat up to medium. Bring the hot chocolate to a low boil and cook for 3 minutes, whisking constantly. Add the sugar and salt. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the chocolate into 2 (½-cup) serving cups. Top with whipped cream and chocolate shaving. Serve warm.

Tips:

  1. Use good quality chocolate, like Lindt and Ghirardelli. Best to use chocolate with at least 60% cocoa solids.
  2. This hot chocolate tastes even better when made ahead and allowed to sit for a few hours at room temperature. Rewarm before serving.
  3. This hot chocolate is pretty thick. ½-cup serving size is about right.

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