The Return of Haute Chocolate

28 Dec 2010 by TheAccomac, View Comments

Ahhh…hot chocolate. Nothing is quite better on those cold, winter days around the holidays. Don’t be shy when it comes to adding your favorite libations to a cup of creamy hot chocolate. Try the new Godiva Chocolate vodka, a shot of Bailey’s Irish Cream, crème de menthe, Frangelica or a shot of butterscotch schnapps. Make your own flavored marshmallows for an added treat. Try this recipe for homemade marshmallows.

There are so many options when it comes to creating a unique cup of hot cocoa. This recipe from epicurious.com is particularly delightful!

6 cups whole milk
3/4 cup (packed) dark brown sugar
15 whole cardamom pods, crushed
12 whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks, broken in half
2 whole star anise*
3/4 teaspoon whole coriander seeds
3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

Bring first 9 ingredients to simmer in heavy large saucepan, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep 20 minutes. Add cocoa powder and vanilla. Bring to simmer, whisking until blended. Strain hot chocolate into 8-cup measuring cup; discard spices. Divide hot chocolate among 6 mugs.

*Brown star-shaped seedpods sold at Asian markets and some supermarkets.

For more Holiday drink recipes click here.

Tags: Christmas drink recipe, epicurious.com, holiday drink recipes, hot chocolate, hot chocolate recipes, spiced hot chocolate, unique drinks