Simple Hot Chocolate for One

Name: Simple Hot Chocolate for One
Yield: Makes 1
Ingredients: 1 cup whole milk or any combination of milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream; Kosher salt; 2 oz. semisweet or bittersweet chocolate (50%–70% cacao), broken or chopped into pieces, plus more for garnish; ¼ tsp. vanilla extract; 1 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder (optional); 2 Tbsp. sugar (optional); Sweetened Whipped Cream (for garnish)

Kemp MinifieMakes 1Source

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Ingredients

1 cup whole milk or any combination of milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream

Kosher salt

2 oz. semisweet or bittersweet chocolate (50%–70% cacao), broken or chopped into pieces, plus more for garnish

¼ tsp. vanilla extract

1 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder (optional)

2 Tbsp. sugar (optional)

Sweetened Whipped Cream (for garnish)

Method

Whisk 1 cup whole milk or any combination of milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream with 1 pinch kosher salt in a small saucepan over medium heat on the stovetop until it almost reaches a simmer, 1–2 minutes (do not let it boil over). Remove from heat and add 2 oz. semisweet or bittersweet chocolate (50%–70% cacao), broken or chopped into pieces; let mixture rest 1 minute.

Whisk until chocolate is melted and liquid is smooth, then add ¼ tsp. vanilla extract and whisk to combine. Taste and adjust to your liking: For a sweeter flavor, whisk in up to 2 Tbsp. sugar, or if you want a deeper chocolate flavor, whisk in 1 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder. If necessary, reheat the liquid over medium-low heat, stirring, until hot chocolate is steaming. Pour hot chocolate into a mug, top with Sweetened Whipped Cream, and, using a rasp-style grater, shave more chocolate (if using) over whipped cream.