Some days are better than others, especially this time of year. Some days you wake up and spring out of bed with a smile on your face, just knowing that it will be a good day. But then you get into your car and spend hours battling the barrage of angry shoppers, not only in stores but also on the roads and in parking lots. After following decorum and waiting patiently for a parking spot and then having your space stolen not once, not twice, but three times and then waiting in four different lines for over an hour each only to find out that two of the items you were looking for were sold out and may or may not be in stock within the next two weeks, you are over the whole shopping thing and ready to give “I owe yous” as gifts. At the end of the day, you go home tired, hungry, and feeling defeated, wondering how a day that started off so beautifully ended up like that. Until you make this hot chocolate. And all is once again right in the world. Yes, it is magic hot chocolate like that.
Of course, this hot chocolate is just as magical in the morning as it is at night, and it makes a lovely addition to Christmas Brunch. And as an aside, if you add about three to four ounces more chocolate, pour it into individual serving bowls, and refrigerate, you will end up with beautiful hot chocolate pudding (no thickener needed!).
Hot Chocolate
(Yield: 2-4 servings)
4 oz good quality semisweet couture chocolate (not chocolate chips) (lol, oops, meant couverture chocolate…guess I had couture on the mind ;) )
2 c whole milk (you can substitute cream, low-fat, or fat-free milk as desired)
1-2 TB sugar (more or less to taste)
Small pinch kosher salt
Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat; bring up to a simmer (whisking occasionally), then turn heat down and simmer gently 2-3 minutes (it will thicken as it simmers). Serve hot.
If You Like Yours Frothy: Use an immersion blender or carefully pour the hot chocolate into a blender and process until frothy.
I’m Faith Gorsky, the writer, cook, and photographer behind An Edible Mosaic. My goal is to inspire you to get in the kitchen and try something new! Feel free to 
deana@lostpastremembered says
December 14, 2010 at 8:22 amI know what you mean about Christmas. I am so pleased that I can now shop on line for most things and avoid the shopping crush which takes all the spirit out of Christmas. Lovely hot chocolate Faith. Sure to pep one up after holiday forays!
Rosa says
December 14, 2010 at 8:54 amMmmhhh, so sooothing! I love mine with no sugar…
Cheers,
Rosa
Mia says
December 14, 2010 at 9:39 amPhew, that was some day ,and was it the same of ur car that was covered with snow:-)))
Now hot chocolate i love, jus thinking of it puts a couple of springs in my steps:-)
I make this one too with my fav chocolate and its oh so good with some candy cane too:-)
Love the scones here too!!
Happy holidays with love Faith , ofcourse we will meet around before , during and after the hols too!
Katerina says
December 14, 2010 at 9:46 amThis chocolate is ideal now that the weather here is showing his teeth.
Carol says
December 14, 2010 at 10:17 amHate those kind of days! But what a nice perk though! Rich, delicious hot chocolate! That would change everything!
Biren @ Roti n Rice says
December 14, 2010 at 10:49 amThat is one luscious, creamy hot chocolate drink! Yes, somedays are just better than others. It is good to be able to whip up something to soothe the soul :)
Priya says
December 14, 2010 at 11:28 amFeel like grabbing that glass..yumm!
jen cheung says
December 14, 2010 at 11:43 amThis is what we need for the winter season. a cup of hot chocolate and sitting next to the fire place – its been freezing here in toronto!!!
have a lovely day!
jen @ http://www.passion4food.ca
Swathi says
December 14, 2010 at 11:46 amFaith, Hot chocolate is awesome, i need them on this weather.
Ameena says
December 14, 2010 at 11:49 amI was waiting for this recipe Faith! Thank you for sharing it. I am off to buy some “couture” chocolate – love it! And I hope that nobody steals my parking space. :(
Victoria says
December 14, 2010 at 12:08 pmI have some chocolate couverture at my parents’ house, and I can promise you when I go there for Christmas I will be whipping up some hot chocolate with it :) Yum!!
Emily Z says
December 14, 2010 at 12:12 pmWhat great looking hot chocolate. I’ve never attempted to make my own but this makes me wonder if I should try! If it was physically possible, I would just reach through my computer screen right now and grab some!
Barbara @ Modern Comfort Food says
December 14, 2010 at 12:22 pmI feel your pain in terms of Christmas shopping, which is my least favorite part of the holiday season and an activity that I procrastinate about starting every year. But, oh, what a consolation your hot chocolate is! I’ll definitely keep it in mind as a post-Mall hop treat!
Lazaro says
December 14, 2010 at 12:39 pmFaith,
Best of luck with your x-mas shopping. Lovely hot chocolate and amazingly vibrant photos.
Be well
lequan says
December 14, 2010 at 12:57 pmA fine cup of hot chocolate indeed! I think I may need to bring this with me shopping to take a sip and bring me back to happy land each time my parking space gets stolen, I have to line up in a long winding line, or someone tells me “that item has been sold out”. Yes, this cup of hot chocolate will be my savior. Isn’t it ironic that this is supposed to be the happiest time of the year? Lol. Happy shopping, my friend ;-)
Nicole, RD says
December 14, 2010 at 1:04 pmIt looks perfect! Gorgeous photos, as usual, too! :) I sent this recipe along to someone in search of a hot cocoa recipe…perfect timing :)
Evelyne@CheapEthnicEatz says
December 14, 2010 at 3:32 pmThat looks thick and divine, I rarely think of making hot chocolate but now I want one. I like a dash of cayenne in mine too! I am going shopping on Wed or Fri so better make a mental note for this recipe.
marla {family fresh cooking} says
December 14, 2010 at 3:51 pmGreat hot cocoa & I dig the pinch of salt. Hot chocolate makes my frantic days much brighter too! XO
Priyanka says
December 14, 2010 at 4:13 pmI love hot chocolate and this is so simple. Can’t wait to try it!
Blond Duck says
December 14, 2010 at 5:49 pmA classic!
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
December 14, 2010 at 8:01 pmHehe you know it’s funny but these past few weeks I’ve been very busy with the book and Christmas and every day I’ve been having a chocolate drink. However since it’s really hot here it has been an iced chocolate. But again we’re thinking the same thing-chocolate saves the day! :)
Anh says
December 14, 2010 at 8:41 pmI will never say no to hot chocolate! :)
BeadedTail says
December 14, 2010 at 8:43 pmAll is right in the world once the hot chocolate is served!
sheba says
December 14, 2010 at 9:05 pmooooh this is just what I need…delicious!
kim says
December 14, 2010 at 9:55 pmIt’s freezing in NYC! I’d love to hug a cup of this right at this moment.
Carolyn Jung says
December 15, 2010 at 12:04 amLove all those tiny little presents on the ground. Makes the hot chocolate mug seem enormous. And that’s a GOOD thing, because one can never have enough hot chocolate in the winter.
Mary says
December 15, 2010 at 12:41 amThat looks so rich and delicious that I just might have to make me some. The picture is wonderful. I hope you’ve had a great day. Blessings…Mary
Angie's Recipes says
December 15, 2010 at 12:49 amYou certainly have read my mind :-)) The weatherman said today we are going to have something like -10….and nothing is better than a large cup of hot chocolate!
Veronica says
December 15, 2010 at 1:17 amI love how you wrote this post with a story! You’re a great writer and I like seeing it in different forms. So was the pudding thing something you realized after a mistake or are you just that smart??
Diane says
December 15, 2010 at 2:54 amOne of my favourite drinks. Mmmmmm I had better go and make some now. Diane
Krystal says
December 15, 2010 at 3:14 amYes! I love hot chocolate. While preggers it\’s a little harder on my stomach but maybe homemade will hit the spot. I have some of that special semi sweet chocolate left over from who knows when. I’ll give it a shot. maybe add some peppermint or cinnamon too?
Anna Johnston says
December 15, 2010 at 4:24 amIts iced chocolate ‘down under’ – so busy, trying so hard to keep that smile happening, but people… what can I say… “people manners please!!!!!” – its getting a touch rough out there & frantic & tempers are frayed a bit. Thank you Universe for chocolate :)
If it wasn’t so hot I’d totally enjoy your hot chocolate Faith, it looks wonderful.
grace says
December 15, 2010 at 4:53 amquality chocolate is the star here, and my goodness, your drink looks so smooth and satisfying!
Barbara says
December 15, 2010 at 8:29 amWell, Faith, you certainly posted about something entirely familiar to all of us today! We’ve all been there, done that, swear to never do it again, and repeat it year after year! :)
Hot chocolate is comfort food on a cold, annoying day! But I just have to have a marshmallow mustache, so forgive me if I top mine with one and ruin your truly lovely photo!
Michelle @ Find Your Balance says
December 15, 2010 at 9:03 amOh, SO much better than powdered stuff! Yum!
Rich says
December 15, 2010 at 10:15 amYeah, you’re right about the some days being better than others – I woke up yesterday and the temperature was 26. Today it is going to be in the 70’s … but next time it’s in the 20’s, yeah, Rich is headed to Edible Mosaic to get this hot chocolate recipe …
Barbara Bakes says
December 15, 2010 at 10:30 amThis looks so rich and delicious! I’m going to have to try the immersion blender idea.
Erica says
December 15, 2010 at 11:00 amowww- sounds so good right now, especially with how COLD its been! Deliciousness.
mangocheeks says
December 15, 2010 at 1:15 pmGive me a cuppa of this, it woudl be so welcome in Snowy Scotland.
Geni says
December 15, 2010 at 1:17 pmNow you just need some homemade marshmallows! I really love all the shots with the teeny presents. Really pretty. What can I say about the holiday “cheer”? It’s really maddening when nice people finish last…parking is dog eat dog. You’re from LA aren’t you? Try decorating your car like a dalmatian. It worked for me. ;p
admin says
December 15, 2010 at 1:43 pmVeronica, I discovered that when I was experimenting with this recipe.
Krystal, Peppermint or cinnamon would be perfect! Sometimes I like to swirl in a candy cane. :)
Geni, I’m from upstate NY but I bet the dalmation would work here too, lol!
nancy at good food matters says
December 15, 2010 at 5:03 pmargh to all that shopping awfulness! yes, a cup of hot chocolate is sure to do the trick—try a pinch of chile or cayenne, for a little extra glow! and take good care-
Megan says
December 15, 2010 at 6:08 pmPeople can be so rude it’s unbelievable. I’m glad you had a cup of this hot chocolate. It looks so rich and delicious.
Raina says
December 15, 2010 at 6:33 pmI just got off the phone with my sister, and we were talking about how it seems people are so rude this time of year and that the stores have been crazy. I hung up and thought let me surf the net and see if I can find a recipe for homemade hot cocoa. I checked my e.mail and saw your post. Too funny. I think you were reading my mind…lol
This looks great. I love the idea to use it as pudding as well thanks. This will definitely melt all the madness away:)
A Canadian Foodie says
December 15, 2010 at 6:51 pmWhen people are grouchy and rude and disrespectful, I love to smile and soothe. Sometimes it is so unexpected, I have seen tears. It makes such a difference. (And, it is very frustrating)
Now this is the REAL deal… Incredible hot chocolate. I would feel sooooo loved if someone prepared a cup of love like this for me! A homemade marshmallow on top – and I could die and go to heaven.
I do not make this kind of thing often enough. It is now on my Christmas eve menu after the tobagganing.
PERFECT
:)
valerie
MelanieMH says
December 15, 2010 at 10:27 pmoh wow….this looks completely divine!!
5 Star Foodie says
December 16, 2010 at 9:10 amHot chocolate would sure be nice right now on a cold morning here, sounds perfectly warming.
Krista says
December 16, 2010 at 11:28 amI could use a mug right now….
Alessandra says
December 16, 2010 at 2:05 pmGreat hot chocolate! I hope that you are feeling better now :-)
ciao
Alessandra
FOODESSA says
December 16, 2010 at 2:53 pmHubby and I always spoil ourselves with luscious chocolate cups of goodness…of course, it’s rare we don’t add a little spirit to it too. LOL
Faith, you got me thinking about that couverture chocolate. Here, I always, thought it should be used for decorative creations…hmmm ;o)
Flavourful wishes,
Claudia
Reeni says
December 16, 2010 at 6:13 pmI love that this turns into a chocolate pudding! Such a yummy and well-deserved treat after braving the horrors of holiday shopping!
Nutmeg Nanny says
December 19, 2010 at 9:21 pmYummy! I’m loving loving loving hot chocolate this season.