Tam To’s Thick Spiced Hot Chocolate

Total Time Prep/Total Time: 30 min.
Yield 4 servings
This thick spiced hot chocolate is a cozy, indulgent drink inspired by rich French hot chocolate but elevated with spices like cinnamon, ginger and cloves. It is thick, has a deep chocolate flavor and is perfect for dipping with a croissant. This is an easy homemade hot cocoa recipe that is so much better than the instant packets. —Tam To, Los Angeles, California

Ingredients

  • 6 pitted dates
  • 100 milliliters boiling water
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cinnamon stick (3 inches)
  • 1 piece fresh gingerroot, about 1-in., peeled
  • 1 teaspoon fennel seed
  • 1 teaspoon whole cloves
  • 8 ounces dark chocolate (at least 70%), chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Optional: Whipped cream and fresh croissants

Directions

  1. Place dates in a medium bowl, cover with boiling water. Let stand 5 minutes. Transfer to a blender or food processor; process until smooth.
  2. Meanwhile, add milk, cinnamon stick, ginger, fennel and cloves to a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer; cook, covered, on low for 5 minutes. Strain milk; discard solids.
  3. Return milk to pan. Add in date puree and add half the chocolate; stir over low heat until melted. Add in the remaining chocolate, cardamom and ground cinnamon.
  4. Cook over low until chocolate has melted. Pour into serving mugs and, if desired, top with whipped cream. Serve with fresh croissants as desired.
This thick spiced hot chocolate is a cozy, indulgent drink inspired by rich French hot chocolate but elevated with spices like cinnamon, ginger and cloves. It is thick, has a deep chocolate flavor and is perfect for dipping with a croissant. This is an easy homemade hot cocoa recipe that is so much better than the instant packets. —Tam To, Los Angeles, California
Recipe Creator

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