Homemade hot chocolate

A mug full of hot chocolate on a cold fall or winter day can’t be beat.

Instead of reaching for a packet of hot chocolate and a tea kettle of hot water, try making real, homemade hot chocolate. It’s richer and creamier than the packaged powered varieties, and it’s simple to make! Within ten minutes, you’ll have a mug full of steaming hot chocolate.

This recipe was inspired by The Pioneer Woman’s recipe.

Ingredients

For four 8-oz. servings, use the following ingredients:

• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions

1. Combine milk and half-and-half in a 2-quart saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat.
2. Stir in chocolate chips.
3. Add milk or sugar to taste. If you want your hot chocolate to be sweeter, add a tablespoon or so of sugar. If you want your hot chocolate to be less sweet, add a half cup or cup of milk.

You’ll likely notice bits of the chocolate chips that haven’t dissolved into the milk and half-and-half, but that makes this recipe unique.

For a twist, add peppermint, flavored syrup or cinnamon to the drink before pouring into mugs. Vanilla extract or espresso could also be added for extra flavoring.

Add whipped cream or marshmallows to your hot chocolate if you’d like, and it’s ready to serve.

Although this recipe calls for semi-sweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate, dark chocolate or white chocolate could be used instead. And, if you’re willing to spend the money, use higher-quality chocolate, like Ghihardelli, to create an even richer, more chocolatey drink.