The Ultimate Hot Chocolate ~ this thick, rich, chocolatey hot cocoa is going to be your new best friend this winter, trust me!
I’d say most of us have at least one or two obsessions when it comes to food. Being a food blogger, I’ve probably got more than my share. One of them is hot chocolate. I’m always on the prowl for the ultimate thick rich drinking chocolate. I crave deep chocolate flavor, and a thick THICK consistency, almost like pudding. If I’m not tempted to use a spoon, it’s not thick enough. To me, that’s the ultimate indulgence on a cold night.
As it happens, today is National Chocolate Day — the perfect day to share this recipe for the most voluptuous drinkable chocolate I’ve found yet. Over the years I’ve tried all sort of techniques to achieve a result like this, and it’s surprisingly tough! At one point I thought using heavy cream might be the answer… remember the brief appearance of Chantico, in the teeny little cups, at Starbucks? That stuff was good — it was described as a ‘drinkable truffle’ — but it was a zillion calories. That’s probably why it didn’t last long. Anyone who read the calorie count couldn’t bring themselves to order it. And it was so small it was gone before you could really enjoy it. But don’t worry, there’s no heavy cream in my recipe.
The answer turns out to be a combination of elements, each building upon the next to create the most wonderful effect. I use a milk base, and while you could use nonfat, I think whole or 2% works best. I use a heavy proportion of chocolate (both solid chocolate and cocoa powder,) which provides that great chocolate punch. Then just enough sugar to sweeten but not overpower the chocolate, and some real vanilla. Aaaaaaaand the secret ingredient that actually makes the whole thing thick…cornstarch. You won’t taste it, but you will love what it does to this cocoa.
That top photo aside, this drinking chocolate really doesn’t need any other embellishment, like whipped cream or marshmallows, it stands on its own merits, but you can use them if you like.
When the temperatures drop I think all of us crave something warm to drink, and I’ve got lots of other ideas for you ~
- My DRINKABLE NUTELLA is an unforgettable experience, if you love the chocolate hazelnut spread, better check it out!
- CHAI SPICED COCOA is a classic hot cocoa kicked up with chai spices.
- And my FRENCH PRESS BREAKFAST CHOCOLATE is an incredibly frothy drinking chocolate made right in your French press coffee maker.
The Ultimate Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk any kind you like
- 2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 oz dark or bittersweet chocolate finely chopped (you can use chocolate chips)
- 2 Tbsp powdered sugar
- 2 tsp cornstarch sifted
- 1/2 tsp vanilla or vanilla paste
garnish
- whipped cream or marshmallows
Instructions
- Put all the ingredients in a saucepan and heat on medium, stirring or whisking constantly until it just comes to a simmer and thickens.
- Pour into mugs, top with whipped cream or marshmallows, and enjoy right away.
notes:
- There are lots of ways to vary this…use almond or coconut milk for non-dairy drinkers. Add 1/2 tsp cinnamon, or cardamom for a little spice. Almond or peppermint extract can stand in for the vanilla. You could add some powdered espresso, maybe 1 teaspoon, for a mocha effect. And a shot of Bourbon might be nice, on occasion.
- Serve this with a spoon, it’s that thick!
28 Comments
Chris Scheuer
November 2, 2015 at 3:29 amIt’s a damp, dreary, cold-to-the-bone day here, I’m sipping hot tea but if I had my druthers, it would be this decadent, amazing look hot chocolate. I bet it might even bring the sun out!
Abbe @ This is How I Cook
October 29, 2015 at 8:27 pmI can’t wait to try this. I love cocoa before bed and this looks worthy of a good night’s sleep. I had never heard of Joan’s site because I live under a rock, but you can bet I will visit it often now!
Laura (Tutti Dolci)
October 29, 2015 at 1:35 pmA cold wind is blowing this afternoon and all I need is a big mug of hot chocolate!
Gerlinde/Sunnycovechef
October 29, 2015 at 12:54 pmYour hot chocolate reminds me of licking the bowl after my mom cooked the Sunday pudding. Thanks for bringing back those warm and cozy memories.
[email protected]'s+Recipes
October 29, 2015 at 12:03 pmI would love a large cup now. It looks so rich and great!
Susan
October 29, 2015 at 8:32 amThis looks like it could fulfill my chocolate cravings very nicely, Sue! I love how thick and dessert-like it is. Definitely a must try on these chilly nights we’ve been having lately. Thank you for sharing Joan’s website. What a loss for her family and the blogging community. My thoughts are with her family.
Aimee @ ShugarySweets
October 29, 2015 at 6:58 amThis is the perfect, decadent hot chocolate and Joan would have loved it ๐
lisa @ wine and glue
October 29, 2015 at 6:14 amSue!! These photos! OMG. They are AMAZING! And this recipe looks too good to be true! Can’t wait to try it!
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef
October 29, 2015 at 12:03 amThat looks so creamy, chocolatey and delicious! It’s been cold and rainy all day today and this would be perfect right this minute.
Mary Ann | The Beach House KItchen
October 28, 2015 at 5:52 pmThis looks totally decadent Sue! With colder days ahead, we will all be needing this delicious little treat! I was so sad to hear about Joan’s passing. I emailed her the Sunday before she died to thank her for posting one of my recipes on her Facebook. As busy as she was considering the popularity of her blog she got back to me in less than 10 minutes to say hello and comment on my blog. I wish I could have known her in person!
heather @french press
October 28, 2015 at 5:01 pmthese pictures are out of this word gorgeous Sue, and I bet Joan is amazed by how the communtiy showed up for her today
Yelena
October 28, 2015 at 4:55 pmWho does not love hot chocolate? Yours looks just scrumptious. Perfect for a cool day.
Hugs,
Yelena
DAVID M. DUNN
October 28, 2015 at 3:56 pmThe hot chocolate looks wonderful and winter is nearly here in Michigan. It will come in most handily. I subscribed to the friends newsletter and will check out her recipes. R.I.P.
Pat
October 28, 2015 at 3:33 pmThis looks so divine! I never would have thought to add cornstarch to a hot chocolate mix, but I can see how thick and rich it makes it. I’ll get a lot of use out of this recipe soon it won’t be long before we have snow shoveling to do, and we always reward ourselves with a cup of hot chocolate afterward ๐
It is so sad to read the news about this blogger. I’ll definitely visit her blog and pin her recipes.
Sue
October 28, 2015 at 3:35 pmthanks so much Pat — and you will love Joan’s site — it’s amazing ๐
Tonia from TheGunnySack
October 28, 2015 at 3:07 pmI’m pretty sure that is the awesome-est hot chocolate I’ve ever seen! Joan would’ve asked for a second cup!
Sue
October 28, 2015 at 3:10 pm๐
cheri
October 28, 2015 at 3:00 pmHi Sue, this hot chocolate is amazing, love that a spoon is needed.
Mimi
October 28, 2015 at 1:28 pmI’m a new follower and what a wonderful way to start a new friendship, over a cup of cocoa.
Love your style.
Sue
October 28, 2015 at 1:43 pmThanks Mimi, and welcome in ๐
Bonnie Hunter
October 28, 2015 at 12:14 pmOh my! That cup of hot chocolate is food for the soul. I don’t know whether I want marshmallow or whipped cream!!
Best,
Bonnie
John/Kitchen Riffs
October 28, 2015 at 9:32 amWow, this looks awesome! Never had hot chocolate that thick before. This is definitely the winner of all hot chocolates — thanks.
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert
October 28, 2015 at 8:28 amI made sipping chocolate a few years ago – it was a velvet dream – and I know I would love this as well! Beautiful photos!
Sue
October 28, 2015 at 8:43 amThanks Tricia — I love the way you describe it ๐
Rebecca {foodie with family}
October 28, 2015 at 8:27 amOh my word, Susan. This is one seriously gorgeous cuppa hot chocolate. I know Joan would’ve been all over it! I love our food blogging community and the way we rally for each other. I’m grateful to know you, Susan!
Sue
October 28, 2015 at 8:44 amI so regret not being able to join you guys that weekend in Phoenix with Mary et al. I wish I had known her in person, she certainly was a gem <3
Mary Younkin
October 28, 2015 at 7:52 amThis hot chocolate looks beyond decadent and Joan would definitely have approved. The blogging community is amazing and I’m so blessed to call you my friend, Sue. {hugs}
Sue
October 28, 2015 at 8:45 amHugs back, Mary — you and Joan are cut from the same cloth ๐