Good hot chocolate is just so comforting. I have learnt the key is good quality chocolate. Yes, the powder mixes are a good quick fix but these are easy and give you the best hot chocolate satisfaction so why not switch it up and make some. Here are 3 Homemade Hot Chocolates recipes you need to try to make.

Ganache Hot Chocolate

Ingredients

• 4 tbsp ganache *see below for recipe
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla essence
• 1 cup milk
• Marshmallows topping

*To make a batch of ganache warm 200ml cream (it should not boil). Melt 250g dark chocolate on a bain-marie. Let them both cool slightly and the combine to form a silky ganache.

Method

1. Add ganache, sugar, vanilla essence and milk to a pan
2. Heat on low heat whisking every so often
3. Pour into a mug and top with marshmallows. For added fun use a blow torch to get that toasted marshmallow smell

Cardamom Hot Chocolate

Ingredients

• 5 whole cardamom pods
• 20g chopped dark chocolate
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla essence
• 1 tbsp cream
• cinnamon powder to top the hot chocolate

Method

1. Bruise the cardamom. Heat a pan on low heat. Add in the cardamom so they start to release the flavours
2. Add the milk to the pan followed by the chocolate, vanilla essence and sugar. Give it a whisk.
3. Bring to a simmer and add in some cream, stir and sieve into a mug
4. Sprinkle with cinnamon and enjoy

Lovers Dream

Ingredients

• 30 g chopped dark chocolate
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp corn flour mixed with 1 tbsp milk
• 1 tbsp cream
• Shaved chocolate to top the hot chocolate
• Use a bit of milk and white chocolate to make it a triple hot chocolate dream

Method

1. Heat the milk, chocolate and sugar in a pan, on low heat, until well combined. Whisk regularly
2. Add in cornflour mix, stir and wait for the chocolate to thicken and the magic to happen
3. Once the hot chocolate comes to a simmer, add in the cream, give it a quick whisk
4. Pour the thick indulgent chocolate into a mug and top with shaved chocolate (I used white) or cream

Now get that stove on and make yourself a warming hot chocolate. What one are you going to try first?

Neha

Neha