Saturday, September 26, 2009

"worth the effort" hot chocolate


I may have been reaching when I served Giada's Hot Chocolate with our breakfast for dinner menu this summer, but hey, why not. Turns out I'm the only one in our family who is willing to drink a warm beverage while sweating.

After making hot chocolate from scratch a few years ago, I've never went back to the packets. It may be a bit easier, but you really sacrifice in flavor and if I'm going to drink hot chocolate, I want it to be good. To the recipe I added 1/4 teaspoon almond extract. I like the extra flavor this touch gives.

I loved Giada's idea of a Hot Chocolate Bar with a selection of toppings. I think this would be great to serve if you're having a get-together at your home. (Just not in the summer.)

2 comments:

Laura W said...

What a wonderful idea to have a hot chocoalte bar! I usually try and do some kind of cookie exhange for Christmas - now I have the perfect accent. I've never made my own hot chocolate. What is your favorite recipe?

Vanessa said...

That would be perfect for a cookie exchange! Great idea! Here's my favorite hot chocolate recipe:

1 cup sugar
2/3 cup baking cocoa
1/4 teaspoon salt
8 cups milk
2/3 cup water
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract

In a large saucepan, combine sugar, cocoa and salt. Stir in milk and water. Cook and stir over medium heat until heated through. Remove from heat; stir in extracts.

(This recipe came from a Taste of Home magazine a couple years ago.)