Secrets
- Real chopped baking chocolate instead of cocoa powder.
- Whisking for three minutes over very low heat so the cocoa butter emulsifies into the milk.
- Mix two-thirds dark chocolate and one-third milk chocolate for kids.
Forget morning cocoa powder: old-fashioned hot chocolate is made by melting real squares of dark baking chocolate into simmering whole milk.
A vigorous whisk right before serving gives it a smooth, velvety froth on top.
Step-by-step recipe check off as you go
Chop the chocolate
Roughly chop the dark chocolate with a knife so it melts in seconds without sticking to the bottom.
Heat the milk and cream
In the saucepan, bring the whole milk, cream and cinnamon to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Melt and whisk
Turn the heat down to low, add the chopped chocolate and the tiny pinch of salt, then whisk vigorously for 3 minutes until the chocolate is smooth, glossy and lightly thickened.
Popotam's tipThat tiny pinch of fleur de sel won't make it salty: it brings out all the deep richness of the cocoa.
And there you go, it's ready
Check off every step to fill the mugs.
Secrets to tearoom-style hot chocolate what makes all the difference
Storage and make-ahead
If you have leftovers, keep it for 2 days in the fridge: it thickens as it cools and becomes even creamier when reheated.
Variations
- A strip of organic orange zest steeped in the warm milk.
- A tablespoon of chestnut spread whisked into the bottom of each mug.
- Topped with homemade whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
Frequently asked questions
Quel pourcentage de cacao choisir ?
Entre 60 % et 70 % : en dessous il est très sucré, au-dessus de 75 % il devient plus amer pour les enfants.
Peut-on le faire avec un lait végétal ?
Oui, le lait d'avoine ou le lait de noisette donnent un chocolat chaud naturellement velouté sans crème.
Comment le rendre encore plus épais à l'espagnole ?
Délaye une cuillère à café rase de fécule de maïs dans deux cuillères de lait froid et ajoute-la en fouettant 2 minutes.
Fall menus that serve it with the grocery list for the whole table
Build your fall week
Add this recipe to your meal plan, then pick a main, a soup or a dessert: Popotam brings them together with the grocery list for the whole week. Free, no account.
