Truffle Hot Chocolate

Prep Time: 25 Minutes

Cook Time: 0 Minutes

Ready In: 25 Minutes

Servings: 6

Greet holiday guests at the door with steaming mugs of rich hot chocolate. As the crowning touch, offer a selection of flavored whipped creams.

Ingredients:

4 cups 2% milk

6 ounces 70% cacao dark baking chocolate, chopped

3 tablespoons brown sugar

1 teaspoon instant espresso powder.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

dash salt

additional ingredients for dulce de leche whipped cream:

3 tablespoons sugar

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

for chocolate whipped cream:

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

2 tablespoons chocolate syrup

for peppermint whipped cream:

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

1 tablespoon sugar

1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract

1 tablespoon crushed peppermint candies

for coffee whipped cream:

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

1 teaspoon instant espresso powder

1 tablespoon sugar

chocolate-covered coffee beans, optional

for irish whipped cream:

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

1 tablespoon irish cream liqueur

Directions:

1. In a large saucepan, heat milk over medium heat until bubbles form around sides of pan (do not boil). Remove from the heat; whisk in the chocolate, brown sugar, espresso powder, vanilla and salt until smooth. Return to the heat; cook and stir until heated through. Pour into mugs; top with desired flavor of whipped cream.
2. To prepare dulce de leche whipped cream: In a heavy skillet, melt sugar until golden. Gradually stir in cream; cook and stir until sugar is dissolved. Transfer to a small bowl; cover and refrigerate for 4 hours. Beat until stiff peaks form.
3. Chocolate whipped cream: In a small bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Add chocolate syrup; beat until stiff peaks form.
4. Peppermint whipped cream: In a small bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Add sugar and extract; beat until stiff peaks form. Garnish with candies.
5. Coffee whipped cream: In a small bowl, beat cream and espresso powder until it begins to thicken. Add sugar; beat until stiff peaks form. Garnish with coffee beans if desired.
6. Irish whipped cream: In a small bowl, beat cream and liqueur until stiff peaks form. Yield: 6 servings.

By RecipeOfHealth.com