The Best Hot Chocolate Ever (2 Ways)

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: water

Almond milk is lower in calories, while water is a budget-friendly option.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey is a natural sweetener, while brown sugar is often less expensive.

Start by making homemade whipped cream using 2 cups of cold heavy whipping cream.

Beat the cream vigorously until it starts to thicken.

Add 3 tablespoons of sugar gradually while continuing to beat the cream.

Once thickened, add 2 teaspoons of vanilla bean paste and gently whisk it in.

Transfer the whipped cream into a piping bag and keep it cold.

To make marshmallows, add 1/2 cup of water to a bowl and sprinkle 3 packets of unflavored powdered gelatin on top.

In a small saucepan, combine 1 1/2 cups of sugar, 1 1/4 cups of light corn syrup, and 1/2 cup of water, and stir until homogeneous.

Heat the mixture on medium until it boils, then let it cook until it reaches 240°F.

Once at temperature, carefully pour the syrup into the gelatin mixture while beating on low speed.

Increase the speed to medium and then high, continuing to pour in the syrup until thick and creamy.

Add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and mix well.

Pipe the marshmallow mixture onto a baking sheet dusted with a mixture of potato starch and powdered sugar.

Let the marshmallows sit for at least 4 hours to set.

To make the easy cocoa powder version, whisk together 1 cup of cocoa powder, 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1/4 cup of light brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt.

For each cup of hot milk, use 1/4 cup of the cocoa mix and stir well.

For the ultimate hot chocolate, chop 1 pound of dark chocolate into small pieces to help it melt faster.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens