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There is nothing like a cup of homemade hot chocolate to help warm you on a cold winter day. It takes just a few minutes to whip up this decadent drink.

One of my favorite things to do on a cold winter afternoon is snuggle on the couch under a warm quilt with a good book and a cup of hot chocolate. We woke up to a cold 26 degrees this morning and I am craving a cup! Homemade whipped cream adds extra creaminess to this delicious treat. If my husband is having a tough day, I head to the kitchen to make a mug for each of us. Then we sit and talk about what is going on. While this delicious drink may not solve the problem, it definitely helps to make you feel better.

Is it hot chocolate or hot cocoa? While either name is acceptable in the United States, there is a difference. Did you know hot cocoa is made from cocoa powder? If you buy packets of it in the grocery store, it may contain other ingredients such as corn syrup and artificial ingredients. Made with milk, hot chocolate is made with shaved bits of chocolate making it richer and less sweet than its cousin.

This hot chocolate recipe is my absolute favorite drink. Are you a dark chocolate fan like I am? You are going to love the velvety rich flavor the chocolate lends to this drink. Talk about chocolate heaven! Made with FIVE simple ingredients (my favorite chocolate to use is Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa Powder), you might be sad when you drink the last drop!

Homemade Hot Chocolate

Author: Bridget Towery|Baking with Bridget
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 2 cups

Description

Rich and creamy, dark chocolate is the star in this decadent drink.

Ingredients

2 cups whole milk
3 Tablespoons 100% cacao powder
2 3/4 Tablespoon cane sugar
1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pinch sea salt

Instructions

Mix cocoa, sugar and sea salt in a 2-quart saucepan. Slowly stir in milk.
Heat over low to medium low heat, stirring constantly, to just hot. Remove from heat.
Stir in vanilla extract. Pour into mugs and garnish with homemade whipped cream or marshmallows.