This article is a continuation of another Knoxville Gourmet Food Examiner article: Homemade hot chocolate (or cocoa) from scratch -- save money and do better with this winter treat.
Homemade hot cocoa (also hot chocolate) is a real treat that can really bring the family together, particularly when it's cold outside. It's also almost a staple during the holidays and a wintertime favorite. Once you learn to make your own, you can really start to mix things up by doing variations on the original, simple recipe. Of course, don't forget: great hot cocoa begins and ends with great cocoa or chocolate, so don't skimp too much. See the article in the above link (or click here for it) to see some recommendations on good cocoas and where to get them. Don't forget also how good for you hot cocoa can be when it's made with all-natural ingredients that you pick out and choose yourself, particularly benefiting from the high antioxidant value of cocoas that have not been processed with alkali.
The variations on hot chocolate that can come out absolutely stunning are immense, so don't be afraid to be creative. Here are some favorites that work really well:
- Add coffee! A shot of espresso in a big mug of hot cocoa is a wonderful mocha-chocolate treat with just a little of that kick that makes coffee so much fun.
- Add caramel, particularly caramel syrup (get the good stuff with real ingredients from a gourmet shop like Gourmet Market in Knoxville or a coffee shop). If you add a little caramel syrup and a little cream, you'll get a dulce de leche flavor that's hard to say no to.
- If you grow your own mint, any kind will do, add a sprig to the pan while it cooks and remove it before serving. The hint of mint is very nice.
- Add a cinnamon stick or a pinch of cinnamon powder.
- Add some good-quality vanilla extract, vanilla sugar, or a small piece of a vanilla bean, scraped of course, into the pan for a lovely, smooth vanilla taste. Vanilla and cinnamon together are great too!
- Add some of your favorite chocolate or coffee liqueurs or some Irish Creme for a great tasting, grown-up version of this beautiful classic.
- If you're adventurous, add just a very tiny pinch of cayenne pepper to the bottom of your mug and ladle the hot cocoa over it. It's a bit spicy, but the chocolate and hot pepper combine for a surprisingly pleasant effect. In fact, the chile should enhance the experience of the coffee, if you're brave enough for the heat.
- Take it back to the classics: xocolatl. This is the original Aztec name for chocolate, and this recipe based on their approach is subtle and good, though it will wake you and your taste buds up! It's not for the faint of heart: do the cinnamon and vanilla together and put the cayenne in the cup to get cinnamon, vanilla, and chili all together in your chocolate. Wow!
- Add other spices in addition to cinnamon, for instance add several cloves to the pan and strain them out for serving. Pumpkin pie spice, used a bit judiciously, is pretty delightful!
- Go heavier or lighter with the cocoa for a darker or lighter drink. The darker stuff is really rich, but some people prefer it light. In fact, if you add extra vanilla, it can be very good if it's made very light, so light that the cocoa is definitely not the dominant flavor in the mug.
- Melt the marshmallows you know you want to add directly into the pan, mixing them through before serving. Don't miss the chance to put even more on top when you're done!
With all of these variations and whatever other creative ones you can think of, there's absolutely no way to get bored with hot chocolate once you start making it yourself. Don't forget to check out the basic recipe here to get started! Also, if you think of a great variation or trick that's not included here, please leave it in the comments. I love new ideas with this fantastic classic!
Buy it locally! Many of the great premium chocolates that form the cornerstone of these recipes and ideas are available in Knoxville at The Fresh Market and Earth Fare locations. They're worth the price and the trip!
For more great recipes and cooking ideas, follow the Knoxville Gourmet Food Examiner by subcribing at the top of the page. You can also read more on his personal cooking blog: The Untrained Gourmet.
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