Drinking Chocolate

This post is going to be short. While it won't seem like a lot, while it may seem like an afterthought, I believe that everybody should have access to this recipe. My drinking chocolate is unlike any Swiss Miss or Hershey's chocolate syrup you've ever had. It's not too sweet, but it's one of the most chocolatey things you'll ever taste, if you use the right quantity and quality of chocolate.

You have a few options when it comes to this drinking chocolate. I give you the option to add salt if you would like. The salt deepens the flavor of the chocolate, but it definitely takes it even farther away from the traditional, super sweet hot chocolate. I love adding salt to mine, but I have weird taste buds, or so they tell me.

You could decide to drink it straight up, as is, hot chocolatey milk, or you could choose to throw a bunch of marshmallows and a huge pile of whipped cream and chocolate shavings on top. The first option is more natural, and definitely healthier for you, but the second option is way more fun. And isn't that what we need right now in this dark winter, some fun? #elkinthekitchen

Drinking Chocolate

Homemade Drinking Chocolate

Ingredients

2 oz (2 squares) high quality dark chocolate

1 Tbsp unsalted butter

1 pinch of sea salt (optional)

1 cup whole milk, warmed up to above room temperature

Directions

1. Chop or shave the chocolate into smaller, finer pieces. They don't have to be perfectly shaved, but make sure they are small enough to melt easily, and at the same pace.

2. Melt butter in small saucepan. Add chocolate shavings, constantly whisking to combine with the butter. If you are adding the pinch of salt, now would be the time.

3. Slowing pour in the warm milk, a few tablespoons at a time, whisking constantly to properly combine with the melted chocolate. If you fail to whisk them together, the chocolate will separate from the liquid.

4. Keep on heat, whisking until it has come to your desired heat. This process will only take a few minutes. Make sure to keep an eye on the mixture the entire time it's on the stove, and be careful not to scald or curdle the milk. Once hot, remove from heat, and pour into your favorite mug.

5. If you are adding the additional toppings, now is your chance. I like to put the marshmallows on first, so they get melty in the hot chocolate. I then quickly whip up some heavy whipping cream in a bowl to make my own whipped cream, which I dollop on top of the marshmallows. Finally, I sprinkle some extra chocolate shavings on top, because it just looks so darn pretty.