Decadent Hot Chocolate

I love hot cocoa. The problem is we seldom have cold enough weather here in Texas for me to enjoy it as much as I want! I’ve tweaked this recipe over the years and have it down to the PERFECT decadent hot chocolate. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

1 cup milk
½ oz. dark chocolate
2 tablespoons sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla or peppermint extract (optional)
Homemade whipped cream
Chocolate shavings

Combine milk, chocolate and sugar in a saucepan and turn the heat to medium. Stir constantly (so the chocolate doesn’t melt and stick to the bottom of the pan). When the chocolate has melted and the milk is hot, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the extract of your choice and pour into a mug. Top with homemade whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

Homemade Whipped Cream
1 cup heavy whipping cream
3 tablespoons powdered sugar

Freeze the beaters and bowl (at least 30 minutes). Remove from the freezer and pour in the cream. Beat on high until a little frothy. Add the powdered sugar and beat until the mixture has slight peaks (not too stiff). Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Enjoy!

NOTE: I use real chocolate, not cocoa powder. If you have a favorite candy bar or flavor of chocolate, feel free to use it as a substitute in this recipe.