The Ultimate Indulgent Hot Cocoa For Two Recipes

HOT CHOCOLATE FOR TWO

Steps:

• SIMMER: combine the cocoa powder and water in a saucepan and whisk. Pour in the milk and heat it over medium-high heat until the milk starts to steam but doesn't reach a boil.
• FINISH: Lower the heat too low, and add the chocolate. Let sit for 30 seconds, then use a whisk to combine. Add 1 tablespoon of sugar, taste and adjust with additional sugar as desired. Add 1/8 teaspoon salt, taste and adjust with additional salt as desired, we usually go with 1/4 teaspoon as we prefer a less sweet hot chocolate. Continue to heat on low if it needs to be hotter but make sure that it doesn't boil! Turn off the heat, stir in the vanilla and pour hot chocolate into mugs. Top with whipped cream, marshmallows, or cocoa powder or chocolate syrup if desired!

THE ULTIMATE INDULGENT HOT CHOCOLATE FOR TWO

Steps:

• Whisk together the cornstarch and salt, and whisk in the milk and cream until cornstarch is dissolved.
• Bring the mixture just to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly, then reduce the heat and slowly simmer it, whisking frequently, 1 minute.
• Remove the pan from the heat and add the chocolate. Let it rest for 1 minute, then whisk the mixture until chocolate is melted and liquid is smooth.
• Whisk in the cocoa and the vanilla, and if necessary, reheat it over medium-low heat until hot.

THE ULTIMATE INDULGENT HOT COCOA FOR TWO

Steps:

• Whisk together the cocoa, cornstarch, sugar, salt, and about 1/2 cup half-and-half in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until the cocoa and sugar are dissolved. Whisk in the rest of the half-and-half.
• Bring it just to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly, then reduce the heat and slowly simmer it 1 minute.
• Stir in the vanilla and serve.

SIMPLE HOT COCOA FOR ONE

Steps:

• Whisk together the cocoa, sugar, salt, and about 2 tablespoons milk in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until cocoa and sugar are dissolved. Whisk in the rest of the milk and heat it over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until it is hot. Stir in the vanilla and serve.
• If you like it frothy, blend it in the blender.
• This recipe multiplies easily. When you get up to a quart of milk, use 1/4 teaspoon salt.

CREAMY HOT COCOA

Steps:

• Combine the cocoa, sugar and pinch of salt in a saucepan. Blend in the boiling water. Bring this mixture to an easy boil while you stir. Simmer and stir for about 2 minutes. Watch that it doesn't scorch. Stir in 3 1/2 cups of milk and heat until very hot, but do not boil! Remove from heat and add vanilla. Divide between 4 mugs. Add the cream to the mugs of cocoa to cool it to drinking temperature.

RICH HOT COCOA FOR TWO WITH FLAVOR VARIATIONS

Steps:

• Combine sugar, cocoa, and water in small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
• Add milk and heat to serving temperature. Do not boil.
• Add vanilla; serve in mugs and top with spoonful of wihhpped cream or marshmallows.
• Stir or blend in flavor variations if desired.