Hooray for Hot Chocolate: National Hot Cocoa Day
One thing we like to do around the holidays is enjoy a steaming mug of hot chocolate. This creamy, dreamy delight has been a Christmastime staple since it was introduced to our European ancestors. It’s believed that the Aztecs created the first chocolate beverage over 2,000 years ago. Soon, as the Spanish conquistadors brought the chocolate concoction back to their home country, hot chocolate became a delicacy of only the most noble of European houses. In the 19th century, hot chocolate was even used to treat stomach and liver diseases. Now, there’s a treatment we can get behind!
Times have changed since then, but one thing remains the same; everyone loves hot chocolate! Perhaps this is why December 13th has been designated National Hot Cocoa Day. Celebrate with these delicious recipes, including one from our own Chef Jeff!
Farmview Hot Chocolate
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp. Cocoa, unsweet
- 2 tbsp. Sugar
- 1 cup Milk or Half and Half
- 1/4 tsp Vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Directions
Mix all dry ingredients and 2 tbsp. of milk and heat in a saucepan on low to medium heat until sugar and cocoa are dissolved. Add the rest of the milk and heat on medium until hot and stir in vanilla.
Blend in the blender for frothy consistency.
French Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tsp. powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp. espresso powder
- 8 oz. 70% bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- Giant bowl of whipped cream, for serving
Directions
In a medium sauce pan over medium heat, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and espresso powder until small bubbles appear around edges. Do not allow the mixture to boil.
Remove saucepan from heat and stir in the chopped chocolate until melted, returning the sauce to low heat if needed for the chocolate to melt completely. Serve warm, topped with lots of whipped cream.
Polar Express Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups whipping cream
- 6 cups milk
- 2 tsp. vanilla
- Whipped cream and marshmallows to top it off
Directions
In a large, heavy bottom sauce pan, combine sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips over medium heat. Stir constantly until chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Add whipping cream, milk, and vanilla, whisking mixture together till smooth and completely combined. Serve warm with whip cream or marshmallows.
Homemade Mint White Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups half & half
- 1 (12 oz.) bag white chocolate chips
- 1 tsp. peppermint extract
- 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
- Marshmallows for topping
Directions
In a large pot add the milk and half and half. Heat over medium heat until steamy but not boiling. Stir in the white chocolate chips. Continue stirring until chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is creamy.
Stir in peppermint and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth. Serve warm with marshmallows on top.
Slow Cooker Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 cups milk
- 2 cups chocolate
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sugar
- Whipped cream
- Mini chocolate peanut butter cups
Directions
Add the peanut butter to the slow cooker. Slowly add in the heavy cream, mixing it into the peanut butter well.
Stir in the milk, then add in the chocolate. If you prefer a sweet hot chocolate, add the sugar.
Heat the mixture on low for 4 hours, or high for 2 hours, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon. Give it one last vigorous mix and get ready to serve!
Pour into your glasses and top it with whipped cream and mini chocolate peanut butter cups.