Name
Agency Assistance Hero

Hot Chocolate and Toppings Bar

  • Time:
    20 minutes
  • Servings:
    4
  • Difficulty:
    Easy

Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup heavy cream 
  • 2 ounces good-quality dark or bittersweet (60 to 70 percent cocoa) chocolate, finely chopped 
  • 1 1/3 cups whole milk 
  • 1 cup Espresso or strong coffee left over from the morning (okay to cheat and use Nescafe) 
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder 
  • ¼ cup sugar 
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract 
  • 1  2-inch piece orange rind 
  • Pinch salt 
  • ¼ cup fresh whipped cream* (optional) 
  • Cocoa powder or chocolate shavings (optional) 

Instructions

  1. Combine heavy cream, chopped chocolate, cocoa, and sugar in a medium saucepan.
  2. Stir well to incorporate, then place over low heat, whisking constantly until chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth.
  3. Gradually add the salt, vanilla, orange rind, milk and coffee.
  4. Cook over medium-low heat, continuing to stir with a whisk.
  5. Heat 5 minutes or until tiny bubbles form around edge of pan, stirring frequently (do not boil).
  6. Discard the rind. 

Why not set up a HOT CHOCOLATE BAR for your next party?! Mix up a huge pot of hot chocolate. Display whipped cream, toppings, liqueurs, shavings, coffee flavorings or anything else you enjoy with your hot chocolate, so guests can mix up their own concoction. 

Thank you to Martie Duncan for this delicious recipe!