Russian Hot Chocolate

To say "I love chocolate" would be an understatement. But get this—I didn't have my first sip of hot chocolate until I had traipsed this earth for 16 years.

And guess what? Chances are, you haven't had real hot chocolate at all. Now you're probably really confused, but let me clarify. Many people do not realize this, but there is a difference between hot chocolate and hot cocoa.

Hot cocoa is what we usually think of when we hear the words "hot chocolate". It is made with cocoa powder (hence the name hot cocoa) and sugar mixed with hot milk or water. It is more or less the consistency of milk—think hot, chocolate milk.

Hot chocolate, on the other hand, is much thicker and creamier than hot cocoa. As its name implies, it is made by melting chocolate into milk and cream. Because hot chocolate is rich, creamy, and thick beyond belief, it is wise to have a glass of water nearby. Hot chocolate has a much higher fat content than hot cocoa because it usually contains more dairy, and it is made using chocolate rather than cocoa powder. Hot chocolate is a popular drink in Russia and France.

The first time that I had real hot chocolate was at Shokoladnitsa, a Russian cafe chain that is very popular here in Russia. Because their hot chocolate is so intense, you can order just a teeny-tiny cup of it; but there are also bigger sizes of chocolatey bliss for more serious chocolate lovers (i.e. me!). No matter the size, though, it always comes with a glass of cold water, otherwise people would constantly ask for some.

It took awhile, but I've come to realize that in Russia, when you ask for hot chocolate, that is what you get. It is a big surprise for some foreigners when they see hot chocolate on the menu and they get a very rich, thick drink! If that's not your cup of tea hot chocolate, many places also offer hot cocoa.

Ever since taking my first sip of hot chocolate, I've wanted to try making it. It was difficult to find a recipe because many people call hot cocoa by the incorrect name of hot chocolate (though, I admit it, I'm guilty of this too, at times). But at last, I found what I was looking for on wellplated.com…a drink worthy of a cold, snowy, Russian winter day.

And honestly? It's not that difficult to make.

You just need some chocolate. Pure chocolate.

But before chopping that magic up, get some cream and milk heating. It needs to be drinkable!

Then chop your chocolate...

...and add it to your warm cream and milk.

Whisk it up!

It will start to look something like this. Make sure it all melts before pouring it into mugs.

After all of the chocolate has melted and been stirred into the milk and cream, it will become a thick, dark, creamy, rich, chocolatey consistency, and you know it's ready.

Perfection in a cup.

Rich Hot Chocolate
Servings: 3-4*

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tsp. powdered sugar
1/2 tsp. espresso powder (optional; will intensify chocolate flavor)
1-2 tsp. vanilla, mint, or peppermint extract to taste (optional, choose one)
8 oz. bittersweet chocolate, at least 72%, chopped*

Optional Garnishes:
Whipped cream
Marshmallows
Peppermint sticks
Cinnamon sticks
Scoop of ice cream

Directions:
1. Over medium heat in a medium pot, whisk whole milk, heavy cream, powdered sugar, espresso powder, and extract. Heat until there are bubbles around the edges; do not allow it to boil.
2. Remove pot from heat and whisk in chopped chocolate until melted. Return to low heat if the chocolate is not melted completely.
3. Serve warm. For leftover hot chocolate: cool to room temperature, store in an airtight container, and refrigerate. Carefully reheat in microwave or in a pot over low heat.

*Just quarter the recipe for a single serving.
*Better chocolate yields better hot chocolate, so use the highest quality possible. Do not use chocolate chips.

Recipe from: http://www.wellplated.com/french-hot-chocolate/