Wittamer Hot Chocolate

Good morning can you believe that it is only five days until Christmas?  I have so much to do and yet I find myself not wanting to do anything but sit around with a cup of cocoa and watch old Christmas movies. Thankfully I am almost finished, and frankly what is left is really just extra so if it is not finished no big deal.

One of the things I have been doing while I am procrastinating about my holiday projects is experimenting with chocolate drinks. This is one of my new favorites, Wittamer Hot Chocolate from David Leibovitz. The recipe is from his cookbook The Great Book of Chocolate, which is filled with wonderful recipes, and suggestions of chocolate shops and cafes around the world.  

Wittamer Hot Chocolate

Recipe David LebovitzDavid Lebovitz

1 quart of whole milk or half and half

8 oz. of bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

4 oz. milk chocolate, chopped

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

In a saucepan heat the chocolates and 1 CUP of the milk. Stir until melted. Then add the remaining milk and cinnamon and heat.

Stir briskly with whisk or use and immersion blender to make this smooth and creamy.

I should tell you that this is European drinking chocolate, not nasty powered stuff from a mix. It is very strong, and chocolaty. Even though the recipe serves four your could probably serve six people, a little of this tasty drink goes a long way.

Enjoy the hot chocolate. 

Traditional Hot Cocoa

As winter has reared its head and a chill has settled in on the back of Hurricane Sandy I thought it would be nice to sit with a cup of cocoa and relax after the storm. We have been battered since last Friday and frankly I could use a little break.

Traditional Hot Cocoa Recipe

1 cup of milk
2 Tablespoons of Heavy Whipping Cream
11/2 Tablespoons of Coco Powder (Droste)
1 Tablespoon of sugar
Mini Marshmallows for garnish

Directions

Pour milk and heavy cream into a small pan, heat to almost boiling. Add sugar and dissolve, whisk in coco powder. Pour into mug and garnish with mini-marshmallows.

I hope that you have fared well in the storm. For those of you who are without power and have suffered from this terrible storm, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Be safe.