Hot chocolate season has begun again in our house. It's always a favourite treat, especially for when the kids have friends over after school. I think I've written about this every year so I'm sorry about the repetition. But I also wanted to show off these great new (to me) cups sent by Helen. They're perfect for small hands to wrap around.
I have developed a simpler way to make this drink. Into a medium-sized pot put 1/3 cup cocoa powder, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 Tb cornflour and 1/3 cup water, plus a few scrapings from a vanilla bean and whisk together till smooth.
Slowly warm up on the stovetop and gradually whisk in 4 cups milk (this makes four good servings but you could add less milk if you prefer.) Heat the hot chocolate over a medium heat, whisking all the while to make sure it's smooth. When it's slightly thickened, pour into mugs and let cool a little before giving to kids. Or adults- everyone likes it!
The chandelier and ornate ceiling in the top photo are not in my house. They were in the most beautiful grand old villa I visited a couple of weeks ago. They're warming just to look at, don't you think?
Happy new week, blog friends.