Double Chocolate Hot Chocolate  
Get a double dose of chocolate with this recipe that uses chocolate milk as a base and dark chocolate to complement its sweetness. Top with freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of coarse sea salt for the perfect flavor balance. 

Start to finish: 10 minutes 
Impresses: 4  

Ingredients 
For the hot chocolate: 
3  cups chocolate milk 
1  cup heavy cream 
6  ounces dark chocolate (70% or more cocoa), chopped 
2  teaspoons vanilla extract 
½  teaspoon salt 
Freshly whipped cream, recipe follows 
Coarse sea salt, for serving 

For the whipped cream: 
1 cup heavy cream 
3 tablespoons powdered sugar 
½ teaspoon salt  

Method 
For the hot chocolate: 
Combine chocolate milk and heavy cream in a medium saucepot. Place over medium-low heat and cook until warm to the touch. Stir in chocolate, vanilla extract and salt. Continue stirring, being sure to scrape the sides of the pan, until chocolate completely melts into the liquid. Pour into mugs and top with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of coarse sea salt before serving.   

For the whipped cream: 
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine heavy cream, powdered sugar and salt. Whip the mixture on medium-high speed until it holds soft peaks, about 30-45 seconds. Serve on top of hot chocolate.  

Rich and Creamy Hot Chocolate 
This is a recipe for serious hot chocolate lovers. It’s like a liquefied truffle in all its thick and rich deliciousness. Whip up a batch of homemade marshmallows to gently float on top of a creamy cup of this decadence.  

Start to finish: 10 minutes 
Impresses: 4 

Ingredients 
2  cups heavy cream 
2  cups half and half 
8  ounces bittersweet chocolate (60% cocoa), chopped 
½  cup granulated sugar 
2  teaspoons vanilla extract 
½  teaspoon salt  
Marshmallows, for serving 

Method 
Combine heavy cream and half and half in a medium saucepot. Place over medium-low heat and cook until warm to the touch. Stir in chocolate, sugar, vanilla extract and salt. Continue stirring, being sure to scrape the sides of the pan, until chocolate and sugar completely melt into the liquid. Pour into mugs and top with marshmallows before serving. 

Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix  
Perfect to gift or keep stashed in the cupboard, this homemade hot cocoa mix is an elevated version of the paper packet we all grew up with. Mix up a few batches and place in decorative glass jars tied with a ribbon for a great homemade gift idea. 

Start to finish: 10 minutes 
Impresses: 8  

Ingredients 
½  cup cocoa powder (try using dark chocolate cocoa powder for an intensely chocolate experience) 
½  cup granulated sugar 
⅓  cup evaporated milk 
1  teaspoon salt 
1  cup whole milk, for serving  

Method 
In a small bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, granulated sugar, evaporated milk and salt. Store the hot cocoa in a glass jar with a lid. When the craving for cocoa strikes, heat 1 cup whole milk in a small saucepot until just steaming. While the milk warms, add roughly 3 tablespoons cocoa mix to a mug. Pour the hot milk into the mug and mix well to combine. Top with a handful of mini marshmallows before serving, if desired.

Making Whipped Cream at Home 
Light as air and fluffy as clouds, whipped cream tops off our favorite pies, cakes, shakes and more. While store-bought whipped cream is convenient and delicious, if you have the time, nothing can match the creaminess of a homemade batch. With a few easy tips, you’ll be a pro at making homemade whipped cream — even if you’ve never tried before. 

Tips for making homemade whipped cream: 

  • Start by chilling your bowl and whisk or beaters 

  • Make sure the heavy whipping cream is as cold as possible, too 

  • Whip until soft peaks form into stiff peaks 

  • Add vanilla extract for extra flavor  

Don’t forget, whipped cream will double in size, so if you use 1 cup of heavy whipping cream, you’ll end up with 2 cups of whipped cream. Enjoy!