Homemade Hot Chocolate

I absolutely despise coffee. I don't like the strong smell. I certainly don't like the strong taste. I just don't get the hype. Nope...I'm more of a hot chocolate girl. Give me a cup of homemade hot chocolate, an episode of One Tree Hill, and a cozy blanket and I'm a happy girl.

If you've never had homemade hot chocolate, you're seriously missing out. Not only can you whip it up in under ten minutes, but the taste is out of this world. I'm not exaggerating. Homemade cocoa puts that powdered stuff to absolute shame. For a rich, tasty homemade hot chocolate, this is the recipe you'll want to try. Top it as you please and enjoy with your binge-watching.

REASONS YOU SHOULD TRY THIS RECIPE:

• Tastes a lot better than the powdered stuff
• Full of intense chocolate flavor
• Very easy to make

INGREDIENTS FOR HOMEMADE HOT CHOCOLATE:

• Semisweet chocolate chips - has the right amount of sweetness and bitterness
• Granulated sugar - adds a bit more sweetness
• Water - base
• Salt - brings out the rest of the flavors
• Light instant coffee granules - intensifies chocolate flavor
• Vanilla extract - adds more sweetness
• Half & half - milk and cream adds richness
• Whole milk - adds more richness

HOW TO MAKE MY HOMEMADE HOT CHOCOLATE:

• Melt chocolate chips in a saucepan over lowest heat setting. Make sure you use good-quality chocolate. I use Ghirardelli, but any high-quality chocolate will do. Whisk until fully melted.

• Stir in sugar, water, and salt. Stir until combined over medium heat. Whisk constantly until the chocolate comes to a boil for about two minutes.

• Gradually whisk in the milk and half and half.  Add in the instant coffee granules. I use the Nestle light instant coffee granules. Whisk and cook until heated. This should take a few minutes. Take off the heat and whisk in the vanilla extract. Give it one last stir with your whisk until it's frothy.

Enjoy with your choice of toppings!

MORE GREAT DRINK RECIPES:

• Triple Berry Smoothie
• Strawberry Limeade Slushie

• WP Recipe Maker #83693remove

  Homemade Hot Chocolate Course: Drinks Cuisine: American Cook Time: 8m - ¼ cup semisweet chocolate chips - ⅛ cup granulated sugar - ⅛ cup water - tiny pinch of salt - tiny pinch of light instant coffee granules - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ½ cup half & half - 1 ½ cups whole milk 1) Melt chocolate chips in a saucepan over lowest heat setting. Stir until melted. 2) Stir in sugar, water, and salt. Stir until combined over medium heat. 3) Whisk constantly until the chocolate comes to a full boil. 4) Gradually whisk in the milk and half and half. 5) Cook until heated. Whisk in the instant coffee granules. 6) Take off the heat and add the vanilla extract. 7) Whisk until frothy. 8) Pour into your mug and top as you please. Enjoy hot to warm! Top as you please! Use high-quality chocolate chips. You can use chips or a bar of chocolate. I do recommend semisweet, but you can mix in some bittersweet if you'd like.