How to Make Gourmet Hot Chocolate

Are you tired of the same old hot chocolate recipe? Wouldn't you like something rich and creamy? How about something gourmet? What if it was so easy that all you had to do was alter your favorite recipe? With just a few ingredient substitutions and a bit of spice you can turn that old recipe into something truly gourmet.

Instructions

1. Use half-and-half instead of milk. Half-and-half gives you a much richer flavor. Instead of having hot chocolate that is thin, you will have a drink that is thick and delicious.

2. Add chopped chocolate instead of cocoa powder. Cocoa powder is great for baked goods, but when you want a gourmet drink, you need the real thing. Just add the chocolate to the half-and-half so that it can melt as the half-and-half comes up to temperature.

3. Choose flavored sugar. Vanilla adds a wonderful flavor to almost any sweet treat. Instead of using plain sugar, use vanilla sugar. It will add great flavor and will make the drink seem creamier.

4. Add a bit of spice. If you want even more gourmet flavor, you can add cinnamon or even cayenne pepper to your hot chocolate.

5. Add whipped cream. Whipped cream adds great flavor and makes the drink beautiful as well.

Tips & Warnings

• If cinnamon and cayenne pepper aren't your cup of tea, you can always add peppermint sticks or even a flavored liqueur.