Gourmand Hot Chocolate : Essential Recipes to Warm Up Your Winter Days
December 4, 2024
When winter sets in and the bitter cold sets in, there's nothing more comforting than a steaming cup of hot chocolate. But why settle for a simple version when you can turn this classic drink into a real treat? Discover a few must-try recipes for gourmet hot chocolates that will warm you up while delighting your taste buds.
1. Classic Hot Chocolate : the winter essential
Let's start with the basics, the ones that bring back childhood memories: classic hot chocolate. Rich and creamy, it's made from quality dark chocolate and whole milk for a smooth, creamy drink.
Ingrédients :
- 200 g dark chocolate (minimum 60% cocoa)
- 500 ml whole milk
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- A pinch of salt to enhance the flavours
Préparation :
- Heat the milk in a saucepan over low heat.
- Add the broken chocolate and stir until completely melted.
- Add sugar and salt to taste.
- Serve piping hot with whipped cream for an even more indulgent treat.
Classic hot chocolate is the basis for all the variations you can explore. Use this recipe as a starting point, and let your imagination run wild to create even more gourmet versions.
2. Spicy Hot Chocolate: A Touch of Exotic Warmth
Looking for a little exoticism in your hot chocolate? Try adding spices for a drink that warms body and soul. Spiced hot chocolate is inspired by Mexican tradition, where chocolate is often blended with spices for a bold taste.
Ingredients :
- 200 g dark chocolate
- 500 ml whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper (or more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- Whipped cream for topping
Preparation :
- Heat the milk in a saucepan, then add the chocolate and stir until melted.
- Stir in the cinnamon, chilli and vanilla.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with cinnamon for a finishing touch.
This spicy hot chocolate is perfect for those who like bold, comforting flavors, with a little extra heat.
3. Hot Chocolate with Salted Butter Caramel: A Gourmet's Ally
For caramel lovers, this recipe is a real delight. The marriage of chocolate and salted butter caramel creates a sweet and slightly salty drink that will delight all gourmands.
Ingredients :
- 200 g milk chocolate
- 500 ml milk
- 50 g salted butter caramel (homemade or store-bought)
- A pinch of fleur de sel
- Whipped cream and caramel sauce for decoration
Preparation :
- Heat the milk over a low heat and add the chocolate pieces.
- Once the chocolate has melted, add the salted butter caramel and mix well.
- Add a pinch of fleur de sel to accentuate the caramel taste.
- Serve with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce on top.
This salted butter caramel hot chocolate is a perfect treat for winter afternoons, accompanied by a home-made pastry or cookie.
4. Hazelnut Hot Chocolate: A Nutty Touch of Sweetness
Chocolate and hazelnut are a timeless duo. This hazelnut hot chocolate adds extra sweetness and recalls the flavors of the famous praline. If you like Nutella, this is the recipe for you!
Ingredients :
- 200 g dark or milk chocolate
- 500 ml whole milk
- 2 tablespoons hazelnut paste
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- Whipped cream and toasted hazelnut chips for garnish
Preparation :
- Heat the milk and stir in the chocolate until melted.
- Add hazelnut paste and sugar if you prefer a sweeter drink.
- Serve with whipped cream and sprinkle with roasted hazelnut chips for an even more indulgent effect.
This hazelnut hot chocolate is perfect for an after-dinner treat or a gourmet break during the day.
5. White Hot Chocolate with Vanilla: Sweetness and Elegance
For a change from dark or milk chocolate, why not try a white hot chocolate? Creamy and sweet, it's enhanced by a hint of vanilla that adds sweetness and refinement.
Ingredients :
- 200 g white chocolate
- 500 ml whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream and white chocolate shavings for decoration
Preparation :
- Heat the milk over low heat and add the chopped white chocolate.
- Stir until the chocolate has melted, then add the vanilla extract.
- Serve with whipped cream and sprinkle with white chocolate shavings for an elegant touch.
White hot chocolate is ideal for those who like their flavors mild and sweet, yet light and comforting.