Deliciously Decadent: How to Make the Perfect Mug of Hot Chocolate

It’s getting cold outside and here in the Her.ie office, one of our favourite things to when it’s a bit chilly outside is to make some hot chocolate.

No, we’re not talking about the pre-packaged hot choccie that comes in little sachets. We’re talking about proper, full on so-good-it-should-be-illegal thick, creamy hot chocolate of the home made variety.

If you’re looking for a way to warm up this evening or if you just fancy a bit of decadent indulgent, here’s how to make the perfect mug of hot chocolate.

_________________________________

Ingredients:

Two 35g bars of solid dark chocolate (per every cup you make) we recommend using a delicious dark bar of Green and Black’s chocolate.

4 cups of whole-fat milk.

1 tbsp of brown sugar.

A pinch of salt.

Marshmallows and fresh cream (optional).

This homemade hot chocolate is guaranteed to be a winner with children

Method:

Pour your milk into a saucepan and add the brown sugar. Heat the mixture up. You’ll be melting the chocolate into the milk once it’s hot enough – this will ensure that you don’t accidentally burn the chocolate. Stir occasionally.

While you’re waiting for your milk and sugar mixture to heat up, get your two chocolate bars and chop them into small pieces. The smaller the pieces, the faster the chocolate will melt.

As soon as the milk starts to bubble, quickly add the two bars of chocolate to the mixture. Also add in a pinch of salt – this will wake up the flavour in the chocolate. It sounds weird, but trust us, it works.

Gently whisk the chocolate until it becomes smooth. Once your chocolate is silky smooth and piping hot, pour it into cups and top with marshmallows, fresh cream (or both!).

Sit back, relax and enjoy.