A mug of spiced hot chocolate is just what you need to warm up on cold December evenings. This hot chocolate made with fresh orange zest, dark chocolate and a touch of cinnamon is thick, creamy, and simply out-of-this-world delicious!
You will need:
Whole milk - 3 cups,
Orange zest - 1 tbsp, from a large orange
Dark chocolate - 3 oz (bittersweet or mildly sweet)
Sugar - 2 tbsp (or as needed)
Ground cinnamon - ½ tsp
Sea salt - a pinch
Marshmallows - for serving (optional)
Whipped cream - for serving (optional)
How to:
Take milk and orange zest in medium saucepan and heat gently on medium-high heat. The milk need not boil, but you should see bubbles form at the sides. Strain milk to remove the zest, pressing on them with a spoon to release as much flavor as possible.
Return milk to the pan. Add broken pieces of chocolate and whisk on medium-high heat to dissolve the chocolate.
Taste and add sugar if needed. Add cinnamon and sea salt.
Pour hot chocolate drink into two large mugs. Top with marshmallows or whipped cream and serve immediately.
Notes:
1. Instead of orange zest, you can use a scant ¼ tsp of pure orange extract or 1 tsp orange blossom water.
Recipe by At The Corner of Happy And Harried at https://www.happyandharried.com/2017/12/13/orange-cinnamon-hot-chocolate/