Snowstorm Hot Chocolate

Today it’s the first big snow in Philly (and lots of other places, I’m sure) and with that came Snowstorm Hot Chocolate. If you were watching the Eagles game, you saw that it was a near whiteout. Marc and I celebrated our afternoon walk with a little Snowstorm Hot Chocolate by the fire. The little dash of cayenne and hint of cinnamon along with the scent from the orange peel add a little zing to warm you up and balance the rich chocolate making Snowstorm Hot Chocolate delicious, decadent, and comforting enough to welcome you in from the snow on a Sunday afternoon and shake off even the chilliest of chills. And don’t worry friends in far away places, Snowstorm Hot Chocolate is just as delicious without the cold and the snow- lucky you. And the beautiful and rich chocolate is a lovely excuse to take out those tiny but beautiful tea and coffee cups you never use. Aren’t they gorgeous? You may recognize this shot from my Holiday Card from last year. Now if that isn’t motivation to put yourself on my mailing list, I don’t know what is. Who doesn’t love beautiful and tasty snail mail? If you don’t already receive a post card from Dirty Laundry Kitchen, just drop me an email with your name and snail mail address. I promise I only use it to send things like this recipe for Snowstorm Hot Chocolate. I couldn’t resist adding these beautiful photos. It was warm and cozy inside, but outside, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. The snow provided the perfect background to take this picture of my window display.

Print Recipe

Snowstorm Hot Chocolate

Snowstorm Hot Chocolate is the best homemade hot chocolate with orange peel, cinnamon and cayenne; it's rich but not too sweet, a perfect snowstorm treat.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time15 minutes mins

Total Time25 minutes mins

Servings: 8

Author: Barrett Bridenhagen

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups milk
• 7 ounces bittersweet chocolate I used 72% cacao but if you like it sweeter, use a lower percent cacao
• ¼ teaspoon salt I used maldon
• ⅛ – ¼ teaspoon cayenne
• 2 inch piece of orange peel optional
• 1 cinnamon stick
• Whipped cream for garnish

Instructions

• Put milk in a small pot on low (medium low if you’re paying close attention).
• Chop the chocolate and add into the milk.
• Add the cinnamon stick, orange peel, and cayenne. This little bundle was a gift from my friend Julia, who brought it all the way back from St. Lucia.
• Whisk now and then.
• Add the salt after the chocolate is fully melted.
• Serve with a little? whipped cream.

Notes

I serve it in tiny espresso cups, as it is very rich- a little goes a long way.
It’s a great and unexpected dessert for a dinner party on a cold winter night. Make it extra special and set out a cordial bar. Frangelico, Kahlua, Grand Marnier, Bailey’s are all excellent additions to the hot chocolate.