Fancy Hot Chocolate
Fancy Hot Chocolate is a rich, creamy hot cocoa poured over a lacy chocolate decoration into a cup. It is the ultimate hot chocolate for a tea party or special brunch or luncheon.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Lace Decorations:
- 3 ounces semisweet chocolate, melted (see note)
For the Hot Chocolate:
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup half and half
- 1/2 cup good quality bittersweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup good quality semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Serving:
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
To Make the Chocolate Decorations:
- Turn over a coffee mug or tea cup onto a piece of parchment or waxed paper. Using a pencil, trace around the rim. Trace the pencil circle using a black permanent marker. Flip the paper over and place onto a baking sheet.
- Place the melted chocolate into a disposable pastry bag fitted with small round tip or in a resealable gallon sized bag with the tip cut off of a corner.
- Pipe lacy chocolate designs just larger than the circles on the paper. Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature or by slipping the baking sheet into the refrigerator or freezer.
- Once the chocolate is set, carefully peel the chocolate decorations off of the paper. Store the decorations in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated until ready to serve the Hot Chocolate.
To Make the Hot Chocolate:
- Combine the milk and half and half in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
- When the milk mixture is warm, add both kinds of chocolate chips, sugar, and vanilla.
- Continue to heat until melted and fully incorporated, stirring occasionally.
- Transfer the hot chocolate to a teapot or pitcher.
To Serve the Hot Chocolate:
- Place a lacy chocolate piece over each mug or cup. Pour the hot chocolate into the mug or cup through the lacy designs.
- When the chocolate has melted into the drink, top with whipped cream, if desired.
Notes
I recommend melting the chocolate in the microwave at 50% power in 30-second intervals until completely melted, stirring with a silicone spatula in between each interval.
Source: Adapted from the Pioneer Woman
You're Gonna Bake It After All
bakeitafterall.com
