The past weekend was kind of rough. Bryan’s car was broken into. His car was parked on the street overnight like normal. The next afternoon, we got in the car and realized the phone USB charger was missing. Then, we looked around and found out a few more things were gone. We got out of the car and saw the passenger’s side window was chipped and some of the car parts were broken. The car is barely 5 months old. No valuable things were visible before the incident. The thief only took away some non-valuable things, but the car repair will probably need about $400. It is heartbreaking. On the bright side, no one gets hurt and the car can be fixed easily. So all is good. But, Bryan and I definitely wouldn’t mind a cup of hot chocolate to make us feel better.
This hot chocolate is European style. It is really thick like a cup of melted chocolate. Smooth, creamy and warm. I swear that you will never go back to those hot chocolate packages after you try this! Now, go make a cup of hot chocolate and bundle up. 🙂
European Hot Chocolate (Adapted from David Lebovitz)
2 (½-cup) servings
Ingredients:
– 2 cups whole milk
– 5 ounce good quality bittersweet chocolate (finely chopped)
– 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
– small pinch of salt
– ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
– chocolate shaving (optional)
Whipped cream:
– ¼ cup cold heavy cream
– 2 – 3 teaspoons powdered sugar
– ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- In a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer with a whisk attachment, pour the heavy cream and whisk until slightly thicken. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Continue to whisk until soft peak form. Set aside.
- In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, warm the milk. When the milk is warm, whisk in the chocolate. Stir constantly until the chocolate is melted and the milk is steaming hot. Turn the heat up to medium. Bring the hot chocolate to a low boil and cook for 3 minutes, whisking constantly. Add the sugar and salt. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the chocolate into 2 (½-cup) serving cups. Top with whipped cream and chocolate shaving. Serve warm.
Tips:
- Use good quality chocolate, like Lindt and Ghirardelli. Best to use chocolate with at least 60% cocoa solids.
- This hot chocolate tastes even better when made ahead and allowed to sit for a few hours at room temperature. Rewarm before serving.
- This hot chocolate is pretty thick. ½-cup serving size is about right.
Source: Read
Kelly says
December 12, 2013 at 6:28 pmI’m sorry to hear about Brian’s car getting broken in to…that is awful 🙁 Glad to hear nobody got hurt but bummer about the repair cost though. Our car got broken in to a few years ago too and the thieves didn’t take much but for some reason decided to take our prescription glasses that we leave in the car since we both need them to drive at night time.
This hot chocolate sounds like just the drink to help lift anyone’s spirits, I love curling up with hot chocolate especially during this time of year and yours looks wonderful 🙂 Hope you have a better weekend and week ahead.
Lokness says
December 13, 2013 at 8:38 amThe thief took Bryan’s prescription sunglasses too! I can’t figure it out what he can do with that. And he also took an old ipod nano, TIC-TAC, NAPKINS, and some usb cables. So weird!
Thank you so much for the sweet comment. Have a happy weekend too!
huntfortheverybest says
December 13, 2013 at 6:37 ami love this. so thick and rich!
Lokness says
December 13, 2013 at 8:40 amThank you! It is really like a cup of warm melted chocolate. Luscious!
Yi @ Yi Reservation says
December 13, 2013 at 7:56 amOh NYC is so cold today this is exactly want I need now. I love the European style hot chocolate! I remember being served melted chocolate with steamed cream when I was in Paris….divine! Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Lokness says
December 13, 2013 at 8:42 amHahaha! The cold storm has finally arrived to your side of the country. Stay warm! I hope I can try the hot chocolate in Paris one day. That sounds really comforting and delicious!
Monica says
December 18, 2013 at 5:29 pmTerrible about the break-in. It’s so sad that this kind of thing happens even more this time of year. The same thing happened to us a few months back…right in our driveway and car was locked. Sigh…definitely time for hot chocolate and cookies to bring a little comfort.
Lokness says
December 19, 2013 at 12:10 pmWow…. Sorry about your break in too. I hope nothing important was stolen from your car. It is definitely a time to be extra careful. Have a safe and happy holiday!
Natalie @ Obsessive Cooking Disorder says
December 20, 2013 at 11:16 amYUM, this looks amazing. Everything European is classy
Lokness says
December 23, 2013 at 2:24 pmThanks, Natalie. I actually used Swiss chocolate to make this hot chocolate, which is extra tasty and special. What a treat! Happy Holidays!