11.16.2008

glorious cinnamon hot chocolate

Photobucket Either I am in love with winter, or perhaps just the idea of it. I am certifiably nuts over hot chocolate. It's not something I can totally control either. It just starts with a craving, and develops into something more. It's like eating chocolate, but better; you don't have to wait for it to melt on the tongue to be able to savour it's beauty. In the next while, I'm going to feature, well, virtually endless varieties of hot chocolate. It's not that cold out yet, but we can all use a head-start on deliciousness to keep our wits about us. It's fairly simple to prepare, doesn't require hours of time, or overtly expensive ingredients. It can be humble, and still thrill us to no end. Cinnamon is an intriguing flavour to me. It has been demanded for hundreds of years, and is used in virtually every type of dish, from dessert to liqueur. And why not? It is sweet and spicy, an undeniably versatile and delicious spice. In this recipe, I used ground cinnamon, and the stick form, to ensure a thorough cinnamon luxuriousness. Cinnamon and chocolate paired together, makes me think of something very earthy, but also something exotic. Aztecs meet Silk Road. Cinnamon Hot Chocolate (Serves 2) 1 cup whole milk 1 10 cm cinnamon stick 2 tbsp best quality cocoa 2 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tbsp honey 1 tbsp, 70% dark chocolate (20g, chopped) 1 tsp best quality vanilla extract 1. In a small saucepan, heat the milk, cinnamon stick, cocoa, and the ground cinnamon. Whisk constantly. Bring to a boil, and immediately reduce heat to low. Continue to whisk and heat on low for three minutes. 2. Still using a whisk, add the dark chocolate, honey, and vanilla extract to the heated mixture. 3. Once all the ingredients are silky smooth, pour into warmed cups. Garnish with a small cinnamon stick for each serving.

18 comments:

Danny said...

Great post! This is actually very similar to Mexican Hot Chocolate...the cinnamon makes all the difference!

gail said...

Thanks danny! I like that it has some serious substance, and isn't watery skim milk or watery....water ;)

Shelby said...

I know I'll be watching for more! This looks like a real snowy day treat snuggled up on the couch!

Unknown said...

Cinnamon is the perfect winter spice.

Janine said...

If you like cinnamon in your hot chocolate, try a pinch of cayenne! Happy cozy-winter!

Unknown said...

glorious indeed :)

Anonymous said...

I miss winter time. It is so much fun to have four seasons - I live in a tropical country when sun shines ALL the time. I might need to add crushed ice on the chocolate .. :)

Anonymous said...

Looks great! I just made a hot chocolate similar to yours this weekend but I added a bit of hot spicy chipotle.

Cate said...

can we say subscribe??? i will follow all your hot chocolates, my fellow obsessor. yum! and, yes, J9, to the cayenne, too.

janelle said...

I love summer, but even more I love ushering in fall and winter, one great holiday after another. I had mexican hot chocolate before; have you? Add in some cayenne...

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness you are torturing me with these hot chocolate recipes. I love chocolate, and I love hot chocolate. I think these recipes would be a perfect way to celebrate "special" time with my young daughter. Just one on one, in our comfy cozies, indulging in hot chocolate together. What a wonderful way to create a memory.

Salt N Turmeric said...

I love hot chocolate but somehow I can only drink it when the weather is cold. lol.

Jan said...

Looks good! I'm loving the cinnamon - yum

sj said...

I love hot chocolate and your version sounds amazing... the last one too with peppercorns. Yummy! Perfect for this time of year :)

Laurie said...

love your hot chocolate posts.. it definitely rings in the winter months!

Food Lover said...

The hot chocolate looks awesome it definitely comes in handy in a cold weather haha!

Shalum said...

Want some!:)

test it comm said...

That would hit the spot on a wet and chilly night like tonight.

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