From a Christmas morning pastry-topped treat to an Earl Grey-spiked version, this isn't your ordinary hot chocolate. Anna Olson with five different varieties to try.
Anna's Hot Chocolate
2 tbsp instant skim milk powder
1 1/2 tbsp good quality cocoa powder (regular or Dutch Process)
1 1/2 tbsp sugar
1 1/2 cups 2% milk
1) Stir skim milk powder, cocoa powder and sugar in a small dish.
2) Whisk in 1/4 cup of cold milk to blend.
3) Add remaining milk plus cocoa mixture to a small pot and slowly bring up to just below a simmer, stirring often.
4) Ladle into a mug and serve. Makes a 1 x 12oz mug
Anna's Festive Hot Chocolate Variations
1. CHRISTMAS MORNING – Ladle COLD hot chocolate mixture into an oven-proof mug. Brush top of mug with a little eggwash and top with a square of thawed frozen puff pastry so that pastry hangs about ½-inch over the sides of the mug. Sprinkle with turbinado sugar and cinnamon and bake in a 400 F oven until pastry is golden brown, about 15 minutes.
2. SKATING PARTY DECADENCE – Top hot chocolate with sweetened whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of French Fleur de Sel.
3. S’MORES DIPPERS – As a garnish, insert a large salted pretzel stick into a large marshmallow. Dip entire marshmallow in melted milk chocolate and set on a parchment lined baking tray to set up. Use s’mores dippers to stir hot chocolate.
4. NEW YEAR’S FUN – Stir in 1/2 oz Grand Marnier, 1/2 oz Bailey’s and 1/2 oz brandy into each mug and ladle hot chocolate over. Top with whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa.
5. LONDON FOG – Infuse hot chocolate with an Earl Grey tea bag while heating and stir in a dash of vanilla extract before serving.
Recipes courtesy Anna Olson