Tis the most wonderful time of the year

15th Dec - Yummy Hot Chocolate

Originally I was going to do a blog on how to make a Christmas wreath with dried oranges and limes, but instead I'm going to write-up an extra yummy hot chocolate recipe - perfect for those cold wintery nights.

I made this a couple of years ago and it was a HUGE hit. It's originally a Jamie Oliver recipe but like most of the recipes I come across I have to tweak them - I can't help it. Now I make it regularly through Dec-Feb and have a jar of it in my cupboard ready g go at a moments notice..

So here it is..... this will make a big jar of it – enough for about 8/10 mugs.

The mix:
          4 tbps corn-starch (cornflour)
          6 tbps icing sugar
          8 tbps cocoa powder
          2 pinch ground cinnamon and nutmeg
          200 g dark chocolate (70%) – you can use milk or white chocolate if you want a sweeter taste, but I would dial the icing
          sugar back by a tablespoon if you do.
          4 tbps of malt power (this isn’t necessary but I think brings something extra to the mix – if you are going to use full fat
          milk you could easily do without if)

To decorate:
          20g of dark chocolate (you can use white or milk if for prefer)
          A handful of marshmallows
          Whipped cream
          Nutmeg/cinnamon to dust.

How to make:
          Grate the chocolate and add to a large jar with the rest of the dry ingredient and mix/shake together.
          Store until ready to use.

          Use around 2/3 heaped tablespoons of the mix for each mug you are making.
          Bring the milk to a simmer on a low to medium heat – do not boil.
          Add the chocolate mix to the warm milk and stir/whisk in.
          Leave to bubble gently for a few minutes until it is thick and glossy.
          Top with marshmallow, whipped cream, and/or grated chocolate to finish.

Tip:
          I use soya as I’m lactose intolerant. I think this gives the hot chocolate and extra nuttier edge, but you can use skimmed,
          semi-skimmed, or even full fat milk. The high the fat content the richer the drink will be…..
          You can add more milk as you go to suit your taste if it’s a bit too thick for you.
          Switch the plain chocolate for a branded version like Terry Chocolate Oranges, or Matchsticks
          Try a bit of added spice with a dusting cinnamon or nutmeg to finish?
          Try adding half a tsp of vanilla extract for every mug you make.
          You could divide this out into individual jars for homemade little stocking fillers or cute additions to a Christmas Eve box.

Merry Blogmas,