Food: Dreamy Hot Chocolate

Last Christmas, my mother-in-law gave me and Erik this  glass Hot Chocolate Pot ( with frother!) from Williams-Sonoma. It came with a decadent recipe for hot chocolate that we just tried for the first time the other day. As the temperatures here in Wisconsin hover around 10 degrees this time of year, we sometimes indulge in a chocolate-y mug of hot deliciousness after spending an hour shoveling snow! I'm sure this recipe has about a million-billion calories (I didn't even dare try to calculate how many) but sometimes you just need to indulge a little! It's easy to make and takes only minutes in the microwave with our cute little pot, but it can be made on the stove in a saucepan too.
I thought I'd share the recipe with my bloggy friends!






1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 1/2 cups milk (I used skim milk)
2 tbs. sugar
pinch of salt
8 oz. dark chocolate; shaved or finely chopped (I only had semi-sweet chocolate chips in the cupboard, which worked just as well. I used about 1 cup.)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Marshmallows or whipped cream for serving (optional)

In a saucepan, over medium-high heat, combine cream, milk, sugar and salt and heat until mixture reaches about 180 degrees F. Add the chocolate and vanilla and stir until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. Pour into warmed mugs and serve immediately with marshmallows or whipped cream if desired. Serves 4.

If you happen to have a hot chocolate pot or something similar that is microwave safe, combine the cream, milk,sugar and salt in the pot and microwave on high until mixture is about 180 degrees F. (It took about 4 minutes and 30 seconds in mine.) Add chocolate and vanilla and stir ( or, you can use a frother, if you have one) as directed  above.

This was almost rich enough to be served as a dessert!
Mmmmmm!