Day 24 of our Culinary Advent Madness. We’re almost there. Now, I bet you think I’m going to say– happy Christmas Eve, don’t you? Well, I would, but I’ve never celebrated Christmas Eve. Growing up, I wasn’t allowed to. Why? Well, because it’s my Dad’s birthday and this day (rightfully) belongs to him. So, happy birthday Dad. I know you’ll never read this but I love you. To everyone else, however, happy Christmas Eve.
Christmas Eve in the UK is a time to prepare for the next day, the big day, Christmas Day. In France and other European Countries it’s the main day and the day they celebrate. Either way, I’m sure you’d love a cup of hot chocolate to get you through the day. Why not mix it up with some different flavours for a fun twist on a classic drink?
Dark Chocolate and Chilli Hot Chocolate
Ingredients:
- 500ml Whole Milk
- 100g 70% Dark Chocolate, broken up into small pieces
- 2tbsps Brown Sugar
- 1 ½ tbsps. Cocoa Powder
- 1tsp Cinnamon
- 1 ½ tsp Chilli Powder, or to taste
- ½ tsp Nutmeg
- Salt, to taste
- Marshmallows, whipped cream or whatever you fancy to top your Hot Chocolate
Method:
- Put all ingredients in a medium saucepan over a medium heat.
- Stir until all the chocolate has melted and the liquid starts to simmer.
- Take off the heat and add salt to taste (starting with a small pinch).
- Heat your mugs in a microwave.
- Pour into a large jug. Use the jug to pour the hot chocolate into your mugs.
- Top with marshmallow (we charred ours with a blowtorch for a lovely crispy, charred flavour), cream or whatever you fancy and enjoy.
White Chocolate, Coconut and Lime Hot Chocolate
Ingredients:
- 130g White Chocolate, grated
- 100ml Coconut Milk
- 500ml Full-Fat Milk
- 1 Lime, zested
- 1tsp Vanilla Extract
- Pinch of Salt
Method:
- Put all of your ingredients, except your salt into a medium pan.
- Over a low-medium heat stir your mix constantly until the chocolate has all melted.
- Remove from the heat and season with a small pinch of salt (add more to taste, if you wish).
- Heat your mugs in a microwave.
- Pour into a large jug and then use the jug to help you pour the hot chocolate into your mugs. Enjoy.
The Literary Onion 