One of my absolute favorite things about France is the hot chocolate. This is definitely not the chalky, watered down version most Americans are used to drinking! Instead it’s a thick, velvety bowl of chocolate heaven with fresh whipped cream served alongside. There’s nothing like sitting in Angelina’s in Paris with a pastry and a cup of hot chocolate just watching the people pass by.
But if you can’t make it to Europe, you can recreate the experience right at home. Over the years, I’ve pieced together several recipes to come up with my own version of chocolate chaud. The secret is buying really good quality chocolate! And don’t forget a bowl of whipped cream! This recipe makes two good sized portions…plenty to share or keep for later.
French Hot Chocolate
1.5 cups whole milk
0.5 cups heavy cream
8 oz dark chocolate
1 Tbl powdered sugar
0.5 tsp vanilla extract
Heat the milk, cream, and powdered sugar until bubbling around the edges, stirring constantly. Do not allow to boil!
Remove from heat and stir in chocolate and vanilla extract until chocolate is completely melted. If you need to, return to low heat, stirring constantly, until chocolate fully melts.
Serve with (homemade) whipped cream!
