Hot cocoa

[Rhianna'sMommy]

On Christmas eve we always watch the Polar Express as a family. This year I wanted to make some yummy hot cocoa to drink while watching the movie. Does anyone have a good recipe? I've never done anything but the cheap cocoa packets and I know I don't want to do that. I personally prefer a nice creamy cocoa but I'm open to any good recipe.

I figure I should try it out ahead of time instead of waiting until the last minute.

[mcpforever]

I like the one on the side of the Hershey's cocoa powder box.

It's one TB sugar, one TB cocoa powder, a dash of salt, and 1/4 tsp vanilla extract in 6-8oz hot milk.

[dublinmom]

We use the Hersey's recipe too. Really yummy with candy canes used to stir it and fresh whipped cream!

[elizabeth.scalf]

I like this one
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/a...ipe/index.html
If you have the packets of dried milk, the recipe will use 2 packets of dried milk. Otherwise just scoop and measure . Also, this recipe halves very easily.

[Rhianna'sMommy]

I'll have to get some regular hershey's cocoa and try that recipe. I just have dark chocolate cocoa and it is too bitter to drink (I tried just in case). I'll have to try the foodnetwork one too. My kids are more than willing to be guinea pigs for hot chocolate recipes.

[dressagemom]

I don't use a recipe, but here is my method:

1 4 oz. bar of semi-sweet or dark chocolate (I use a Ghiradelli baking bar)
4 TB sugar
2 quarts (8 cups) whole milk

In a double boiler, melt chocolate. When the chocolate is melted, place pot with chocolate directly on the heat source, and add 4 TB sugar (you can adjust it to your preference). Using a whisk, very slowly add milk to the chocolate/sugar mix, making a thick syrup. If you add milk too quickly, the mixture will become lumpy, and the lumps are very hard to whisk out. Once you have reached a nice, smooth syrup, begin adding the milk more quickly, whisking continually. Add 2 quarts of milk total, and heat to your desired temperature.

It sounds complicated, but it really goes very quickly. My children love this hot chocolate, and will almost every.single.time, pass up anything else for this. It makes a very rich, creamy hot chocolate, esp. when I use heavy cream for part of the milk.

Sometimes I add a couple of teaspoons of mint extract, vanilla, or place peppermint candy (or candy canes) in the cup.

[mel j]

Originally Posted by Rhianna'sMommy I'll have to get some regular hershey's cocoa and try that recipe. I just have dark chocolate cocoa and it is too bitter to drink (I tried just in case). I'll have to try the foodnetwork one too. My kids are more than willing to be guinea pigs for hot chocolate recipes.

Plain cocoa of any kind is bitter as far as I know so you need to sweeten it enough to make it drinkable.

I might try the honey recipe that danner posted.

[Mama*Kim]

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/creamy-hot-cocoa
Especially good made with vanilla almond milk.

[raisingcropsandbabies]

Originally Posted by Mama*Kim http://allrecipes.com/recipe/creamy-hot-cocoa Especially good made with vanilla almond milk.

I use this one too! Though I reduce the sugar to 1/2 cup and use whole, raw milk (so I skip the 1/2 cup cream). It's so good!

[danner]

This is the one from Cooks Illustrated, adjusted a bit for us:

6 T cocoa powder
1 t cinnamon powder, optional
dash of salt
3 T honey (recipe calls for 4 T sugar, not honey)
1 cup water
3 cups milk
.5 cups half and half
1 tsp vanilla extract
(lots of whipped cream)

Combine water, cocoa, salt, cinnamon and honey in a saucepan and bring barely to a boil while whisking. Reduce heat, add in milk slowly. Bring milk to temperature, about 5-10 minutes or so. Just before serving, add in vanilla and half and half, and heat through for a minute. Pour into cups and top with lots of whipped cream.