It’s just one of those days. Yesterday’s heat wave came and went, and it’s currently being followed by a disgusting amount of the type of snow that requires you to pack an extra pair of socks before you step outside. If you’re counting down the minutes until you’re back in your home, get excited for a night filled with warmth, chocolate, Nutella and booze. Below, we have three hot chocolate recipes that are sure to change the way you feel about this storm.
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Brooklyn Stout Hot Chocolate
Recipe by Sophia del Gigante
Beer and chocolate are two of life’s greatest pleasures for the palette. It may not be obvious, but beer pairs very nicely with chocolate. The inspiration for this hot chocolate – Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout – is silky smooth with a frothy and chocolaty head. This beer was begging to be dessert.
You must obey the beer. Since it has been so cold as of late, hot chocolate is the perfect pick. You’re hiding under a baggy sweater, so we can make it a bit decadent. Rich dark chocolate, milk, sugar, half and half and even some butter simmer and steam melding together into a magic chocolate potion. The last ingredient is what truly makes this into an elixir: Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout. It’s an adult update to a childhood comfort classic.
At the end of a long, cold day you have earned a little treat. Turn your cold one into a warm cup of comfort.
Ingredients:
1 cup half and half
½ cup 2% milk
½ cup dark chocolate
1 tablespoon butter
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
¾ cup Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout
Preparation:
1. In a medium saucepan heat the half and half, milk, dark chocolate, vanilla extract, sugar and butter over medium heat until the chocolate has melted completely into the mixture.
2. Remove from heat and add in beer.
3. Place back on medium and stir well. Simmer for a minute.
4. Serve with whipped cream.
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Nutella Hot Chocolate
Recipe courtesy of lisaharrispantryblog.com.
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons Nutella
12 ounces milk or dairy replacement (almond milk would be a great sub)
2 tablespoons sweet ground chocolate
1 tiny pinch of sea salt
2 tablespoons sugar (or equivalent)
Whipped cream (canned or fresh)
Preparation:
In a small saucepan over medium low heat, heat the milk until steamy. Whisk in the cocoa powder, salt and sugar. Heat until the cocoa powder is blended. Add the Nutella and keep whisking until smooth. It takes a little longer than you might expect. Keep lowering the heat if you find the milk getting too hot or bubbly. You don’t want to burn this and then have to start all over again. Pour into your favorite mug and top with whipped cream.
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Hot Choc-tails (Grown Up Hot Chocolate)
Recipe by Meredith Hartman Shanley; Makes 6-8 servings
Ingredients:
6 cups whole milk
10 ounces semi sweet chocolate chips
1 cup brewed coffee
1 cup brandy
½ cup Kahlua
Preparation:
In a medium-size saucepan, warm the milk. Melt the chocolate chips into milk, then add coffee and liqueurs. Do not boil. Serve hot.
