Baking with Olivia and Caroline

I spent an entire week testing and tweaking this hot chocolate before declaring it officially recipe-sharing worthy. My chief taste tester is now in a hot-chocolate-induced coma, which feels like the highest form of culinary praise.

This recipe absolutely demands good-quality cocoa powder and chocolate – this is not the moment for the dusty can of cocoa powder that’s been living in the back of your pantry since 2017. Semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate both work beautifully, depending on your mood, your sweet tooth, and how dramatic you’re feeling that day. Prefer things less sweet? Reduce the sugar. I fully support you following your gut.

Top it with whipped cream, marshmallow fluff, or drink it straight from the mug if that’s your style. For the sake of making it picture perfect (and because restraint is wildly overrated), I made homemade fluff and toasted the rim of the cup. Honestly, hot chocolate without fluff or whipped cream is like cake without frosting. That said, I’ve mentioned oodles of times that I have a major sweet tooth, so I’m always Team Fluff or Whipped Cream.

If you have a sweetie in your life who loves hot chocolate, this makes the perfect Valentine’s Day treat.

If you’re making this for your kiddos, you may want to omit the espresso powder … unless you like to live dangerously.

As always, enjoy. 

Ingredients

8 oz milk of choice
2 Tbs good quality cocoa powder
1/8-1/2 tsp espresso powder (depends on your mood)
1/8 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 Tbs granulated sugar
1 Tbs vanilla syrup (such as Monin or Torani)
2 oz semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate (I use my kitchen scale to measure)

Instructions

Pour the milk into a medium saucepan and heat over medium heat. Add all of the ingredients except the two ounces of chocolate. Heat until the mixture is hot but not boiling.

Once it’s hot, add the chocolate and stir until melted and fully incorporated. At this point, I like to bring out my handheld frother to really mix things up and give the hot chocolate a slightly thicker, extra-luxurious texture. If you don’t have a frother, a whisk will absolutely get the job done.

Add whipped cream or fluff – or both! – to your heart’s desire. Likewise sprinkle some chocolate shavings on top. Be careful of that first sip, no one likes a burnt tongue. Enjoy! •

Olivia and Caroline are enthusiastic foodies and bakers who are constantly in the kitchen, as well as explorers who create their own adventures in our area – and did we mention they are mother and daughter? Follow Olivia on Instagram to see her many creations at @oliviawvalentine.