Many people with the onset of winter cold prefer hot chocolate instead of traditional tea or coffee. A homemade drink can be prepared from cocoa powder, a special mixture (it is sold at any grocery store) or you can use the "semi-finished product" in solid form. Further we will consider in detail all of these options.
How to make hot chocolate at home?
The easiest way to create this sweet invigorating drink is from the finished mixture. It costs a lot, is sold in the department of instant drinks and is prepared very simply, according to the instructions. However, the drink that results from these simple manipulations (diluted with hot water and stirred) will not be very similar to homemade, and sometimes it will not at all resemble hot chocolate. Undoubtedly, in some situations and if only boiling water is at hand, this may be the only suitable option. But in all other cases it is better to use more interesting recipes.
Hot Chocolate Cocoa Powder
For many, this is a drink from childhood, which was often treated in kindergartens during breakfast or afternoon tea. It was prepared by caring mothers and grandmothers to their children and grandchildren. Since the cocoa content in this version of the drink is not too high, it can be offered to the smallest picks, who categorically refuse to drink ordinary milk.
Before you make hot chocolate at home, you need to prepare all the necessary products. For 1 serving, take a tablespoon of soluble cocoa powder, 1-2 tablespoons of sugar and 200 ml of milk. To decorate the drink and give it a flavor, you can take a little grated chocolate and ground cinnamon. True, in this case they should not drink small children. You will also need dishes with a thick bottom, in which you can boil milk. A microwave is also suitable, but be sure to monitor the liquid so that it does not run away.
The milk is brought to a boil. Sugar, cocoa and cinnamon are poured into a cup or glass in which the drink will be served. Pour milk, stir and garnish with grated chocolate. If desired, on top you can put a few slices of marshmallows or pastille.
How to make hot chocolate at home from a tile?
Perhaps this is the most successful of all these options. Moreover, the drink can be made according to a simple recipe or add cinnamon, coffee or other natural flavors to your taste. They cook it in the microwave or in a water bath, to whom it is more convenient. For 1 serving, take ¼ bar of dark chocolate, a glass of milk, sugar, cinnamon or vanilla to taste. In the process of preparation, it is important to prevent boiling of the liquid, therefore, it must be heated under supervision, stirring occasionally. First, break the chocolate into pieces, add a little milk and drown it in a water bath or in the microwave. Separately, milk is heated almost to a boil. Then both liquids are mixed (you can beat), add sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, pour into a glass or cup and immediately serve. Garnish with whipped cream or marshmallows.
Knowing how to make hot chocolate at home, you can experiment a bit by adding instant coffee, cognac, zest of orange or lemon and other components. Instead of milk, cream is sometimes used, but not very fatty. The only thing to keep in mind is that chocolate itself should not be boiled, and it is advisable to add additional ingredients to an already prepared drink so that it does not curl.