During winter, there is nothing quite like sitting in front of an open fire surrounded by your family while sipping on some hot chocolate. Most families simply purchase the pre-packaged cocoa mixes from the grocery store that they mix with milk or water. This year, instead of serving your family powdered hot chocolate, why not try making your own homemade version? Here are some recipes your family will love to help get you started.
Champurrado (Mexican Hot Chocolate)
For a Mexican-inspired hot chocolate, try some thick and hearty champurrado. In a large saucepan, mix eight cups of water and three sticks of cinnamon. Bring this to a boil. In a blender, blend four cups of water with one and a half cups of masa harina (a Mexican mix to make corn masa which can be found in most grocery stores) until the mixture is smooth. Pour this flour mixture through a sieve into the cinnamon water. Again, bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let cook for another six minutes, stirring the mixture constantly using a wire whisk. The mixture will begin to thicken. At this point, stir in one and a half cups of packed brown sugar or two piloncillo cones (six ounces each, these cones can be found at most grocery stores in the ethnic food section). Also stir in one ounce on an unsweetened chocolate baking bar and two teaspoons of vanilla. Cook this mixture for five minutes being sure to stir frequently. Once the chocolate has melted, it will be ready to serve. This recipe makes twelve servings.
Spicy Hot Chocolate
Mix one quart of milk, one four ounce package of finely chopped sweet chocolate and half a teaspoon of cinnamon in a large saucepan. Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, over medium heat until right before the mixture is beginning to boil and the chopped chocolate is melted. Once you pour this hot chocolate into a mug, top with your favorite marshmallows. This recipe serves four.
Hot White Chocolate
For a special twist on an old favorite, try white chocolate instead. In a medium saucepan, cook two cups of heavy cream and six cups of milk on medium heat. Cook this milk mixture for about four minutes until it gets hot; however, do not let this mixture boil. Pour this hot mixture over twelve ounces of finely chopped white chocolate in a heat-safe bowl. Slowly stir this mixture, melting the white chocolate. Whisk in one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Continue to whisk the mixture until it become slightly foamy. This recipe makes eight servings.
Hot Irish Chocolate
Combine half a cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, one third cup of sugar, one teaspoon of vanilla, half a cup of cold water and a small dash of salt in a large saucepan. Over low heat, whisk this mixture until it forms a creamy paste. Slowly add two and a quarter cups of milk and three-quarter cups of half and half. Be sure that the milk and half and half have been previously scalded before adding. Whisk for two minutes. Stir in half a cup of Irish cream. This recipe makes six servings.
