Valentine's Day: Warm Him Up With Homemade Hot Chocolate

This Valentine’s Day Warm Him Up With Homemade Hot Chocolate

Did you know that there is something out here better then hot chocolate? Yes, it is called HOMEMADE HOT CHOCOLATE!

Some time ago, a good friend of mine was spending the weekend and she stated, “Lets go get ingredients to make hot chocolate and stay in.”

Her face was beaming with excitement while mine with confusion. Not once in my life did I ever imagine that hot chocolate came in any other form then the powdered version that is sold on grocery shelves. ”Homemade hot chocolate?” I responded. “Yes, you need to try it. I promise you your life will never be the same.”…And that it wasn’t.

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching and I am a firm believer that the best gifts come from the heart…not the wallet. Taking the time to create something that is readily available in pre-packaged boxes is an amazing way to show someone you love them. Here is a simple way to show your sweetie that he is worth your effort.

1 quart (1l) half-and-half or whole milk
8 ounces (230g) bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
4 ounces (115g) milk chocolate, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
tiny pinch of salt
tiny pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

1. Warm about one-third of the half-and-half or milk, with the chopped chocolates, sugar and salt, stirring until the chocolate is melted.
2. Whisk in the remaining half-and-half or milk, heating until the mixture is warmed through. Add the cinnamon, vanilla and cayenne (if using).
3. Use a hand-held blender, or a whisk, and mix the hot chocolate until it’s completely smooth. Serve very warm.
Serve with a heart cutout marshmallow.