What better way to get into the festive spirit than to make an ultra-cosy, indulgent hot chocolate, I mean, who doesn’t love a good ol’ hot chocolate on a cold winters day?

I for one, always crave one at this time of year and I think i may have just created the perfect recipe. It’s rich, smooth and comforting, with a beautiful hint of festive flavours… just the treat you need to sip on through these winter nights!

Some notes before you begin:

MILK

I like to use whole full fat milk as it gives the hot chocolate a rich butteriness but if you’d like a lighter hot chocolate, you can use skimmed or semi-skimmed milk.

CHOCOLATE

It’s best to use a high quality chocolate bar and chop it. Something with around 30-40% cocoa is ideal however you can opt for a dark chocolate if you prefer. I used belgian chocolate as I love the richness and texture of it.

COCOA POWDER

If your cocoa powder is already sweetened, simply add less sugar.

The Ultimate Festive Hot Chocolate

Yield: 1

Author: Nikita

Prep Time: 7 MinTotal time: 7 Min

rich and warming festive hot chocolate

Ingredients

250 ml milk
1 1/2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
30g milk chocolate
1/4 tsp cinnamon powder
1/4 tsp ginger powder
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract

To serve

whipped cream
marshmallows
grated chocolate

Instructions

Finely chop the chocolate and leave aside.
Place your saucepan over medium heat and pour in the milk.
Add the sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon powder and ginger powder to the saucepan and whisk.
Once the milk starts to warm, add in the chocolate and whisk until completely smooth.
Add the almond and vanilla extract. Stir well.
Heat for a few minutes and keep stirring. Do not the bring the hot chocolate to a boil.
When the milk is steaming, remove from heat. Serve with whipped cream and sprinkle some grated chocolate on top. You can also top with some marshmallows.