One year Teacher found this recipe and knowing that I am a card-carrying chocolate addict and that I would be over-the-moon-happy if he made it for me, he secretly bought the ingredients and made it it the afternoon we decorated our Christmas tree. I took one sip and fell instantly in love – with the hot chocolate of course, I already loved Teacher. Since then he’s made Hot Chocolate to Die For every year. This makes me over-the-moon happy, which makes Teacher happy, then the kids who don’t want to be left out get happy and we’re all happy enough to be in a 1950s sitcom.
I should warn you that this is NOT a low-fat, low-calorie hot chocolate! It’s actually pretty bad for you, with the cream and all. How bad is it? Well one year we gave my sister-in-law, who loves hot chocolate, a king sized bar of chocolate and the Hot Chocolate to Die For recipe. No, that’s not all she got so don’t get your panties in a bunch and go thinking that we’re stingy. She’s a dietician and always watches what she eats – unlike me who eats whatever, whenever. That’s why she’s a skinny little thing and I’m not. Anyway, she told me later that she made Hot Chocolate to Die For but then sat down and figured out the calories and fat and whatever else dieticians figure out, and couldn’t drink it. She tried to tell me what was all in it but I didn’t listen. I’d rather sip in ignorant hot chocolate bliss.
My point is that you shouldn’t drink it too often because it’ll probably clog all your arteries and kill you. Or make you fat. Or both. And if you decide not to listen to me and drink Hot Chocolate to Die For all the time, don’t complain to me when you die. Or when your pants don’t fit. Or both. I’ll be too busy struggling with my own pants to help you out.
Hot Chocolate to Die For – One Delicious Serving
3 oz milk chocolate
1 tsp butter
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1 C half-n-half or whipping cream
Combine the milk chocolate, butter and vanilla extract in double boiler.
Slowly melt the chocolate, stirring often.
When the chocolate is melted and smooth slowly incorporate the cream.
Stir the mixture as it heats, but don’t let it boil.
Garnish with marshmallows, candy cane, nutmeg, cinnamon, or whatever else you like. I like mine straight up in my special mug.
Ifs
– If you’re out of vanilla extract you can use a vanilla bean. Just chop 1/2″ or so off the end and add it when you add the cream. Remember to fish it out before drinking the hot chocolate.
– If you’re desperate and don’t have cream or half-and-half you can use whole milk but the hot chocolate won’t be as rich.
– If you don’t have a double boiler you can use a metal bowl on top of a saucepan. Be sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water in the saucepan.
– If you want a different experience try different kinds of chocolate. Some gourmet bars available now are just incredible. There’s also organic chocolate if you’re into organic products.
– If you want your hot chocolate to stay warm longer, fill your mugs with hot water when you start melting the chocolate. Teacher uses our Hot Shot to warm the water quickly.
– If you have any other tips for enjoying hot chocolate please post them here!
I hope you enjoy your Hot Chocolate to Die For! I’m going to make myself some right now, I hope my mug is clean…
