Around this time of year, I like to make some extra rich chocolate chaud with oversize peppermint marshmallows (okay, that part is très américain), put it in a travel mug and drive around after dusk looking at everyone’s Christmas lights. This never fails to put me in the holiday mood.
Hot chocolate – the rich, velvety French kind – is generally a very cheering thing. I find that, at times, it’s more effective than caffeine.
My first cup of le chocolate chaud at Fouquet’s, followed by subsequent religious trips to Angelina’s, as a child, made me bounce off the walls a bit. The sugar! The cocoa! It was glorious. I don’t think I could ever finish the whole thing.
Being an adult now, in most things – though, perhaps, not when it comes to hot chocolate -I also enjoy bicerin, the Piedmontese coffee and chocolate concoction.
And so, this is a little combination of both – a cozy drink to enjoy with family and friends.
Tips: To make this a truly thick French chocolate, I like more chocolate and less milk but, of course, adjust to taste.
Le chocolate chaud (hot chocolate) with espresso
(serves 1)
- 5 T shaved bittersweet chocolate (Guittard or Callebaut is best)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 t brown sugar
- 1 shot of espresso
- 1/4 t vanilla bean paste
- marshmallows (optional)
1. As with all the best simple things, use the best ingredients that you can find. Shave the chocolate using a microplane or a grater.
2. Whisk the cold heavy cream vigorously until soft peaks form and set aside.
3. Bring milk to a slight simmer on medium heat, reduce heat just as it starts to foam and whisk in chocolate, sugar, and espresso.
4. Whisk continuously until chocolate and sugar are melted.
5. Top with whipped cream and marshmallows and serve immediately (like you could wait!).
Wow, so comforting and decadent. I love a good hot chocolate, especially the kind they serve at Angelina’s! I’ve never added marshmallow to hot chocolate, I guess that is the American touch to your recipe?
That is very American indeed! I like how it gets all melty and even a little foamy 🙂
This looks so decadent! It almost sounds like an extremely indulgent mocha 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Quite right, Uru! Thank you:)
That looks amazing!!! I love your tradition of putting it in a travel mug and touring the streets for Christmas lights, what a gorgeous way to get into the Christmas spirit. I am definitely going to make some of this chocolately deliciousness this year – though I’ve never seen peppermint marshmallow, that sounds yum (the hunt will start now!). Merry Christmas Ksenia, stay warm and enjoy the final week of prep! xxxx
I’ll be honest, I wanted to make my own marshmallows, but I was at my parents’ and afraid of burning out their little hand mixer. So you could make your own too 🙂 Merry, merry Christmas, Laura! It’s really one of my favorite times of year, as much as I whinge about the weather xx
This is exactly what I need tonight. It’s cold and rainy here and doesn’t feel much like Christmas at the moment.. Hot chocolate in a travel mug and the Trinity Street Lights ( http://www.vancouvereastvillage.ca/trinity-street-christmas-lights-competition/ ) would be perfect.
Wow, look at those lights! I admit it’s often hard to get into the spirit of things amidst the rain and the holiday crunch at work, but this does help 🙂