The festive season is here, and what better way to spend a cosy evening than snuggled up on the couch with a classic Christmas film?
And of course, the experience is just so much cosier when accompanied by a steaming mug of hot chocolate. You can just grab a jar of instant mix and combine it with milk or water for a quick solution.
But if you’re craving something a bit more luxurious, rich and indulgent, then one recipe has been hailed as the ‘best ever’ – and it can be ready in just a few minutes.
This culinary delight was shared by Tineke Younger on TikTok, a chef who has gained viral fame this year due to her decadent yet straightforward recipes, reports the Express.
She has amassed an impressive following of 10.3 million, with dishes like her macaroni cheese and chicken tenders racking up millions of views on the video-sharing platform.
Recently, she’s been sharing festive recipes in the lead-up to Christmas, with her hot chocolate creation being labelled ‘amazing’ by fans.
The chef insists that it only requires a few extra minutes compared to making instant hot chocolate, but with the addition of double cream, it tastes so much richer – and resembles the hot chocolate seen in films like The Polar Express.
Tineke also whipped up a peppermint cream to top off the drink, but if you’re short on time, a ready-made version will do just fine.
Here’s everything you need to whip up this indulgent treat.
Hot chocolate with peppermint cream
Ingredients
- Half a bar of dark chocolate – at least 70% cacao
- One and a half cups of whole milk
- Half a cup of double cream
- Three tbsp cocoa powder
- Three tbsp sugar
- Dash of vanilla extract
For the peppermint cream
- Cup of double cream
- Icing sugar
- Dash of vanilla extract
- Dash of peppermint extract
To make the hot chocolate, chop your dark chocolate into small pieces and set it aside. Combine the milk and cream in a jug.
Transfer the mixture from the jug to a small pot and gently heat on low – avoid bringing it to a boil.
Once the milk is slightly warmed, add three tablespoons of cocoa powder and sugar, whisking until smooth. Gradually add the chopped chocolate while continuously whisking, ensuring each piece is fully melted before adding more.
Stir in the vanilla and allow the mixture to simmer for an additional two minutes to thicken.
For the peppermint cream, pour the double cream into a bowl and whisk until soft peaks form.
Next, sift in icing sugar – Tineke didn’t specify an amount so adjust according to your preference – ensuring it’s free of lumps as it’s incorporated into the cream. Continue whisking until the icing sugar is no longer visible.
Add the vanilla and peppermint extracts, then whisk until the mixture thickens and resembles whipped cream.
Serve the hot chocolate topped with a generous spoonful of the peppermint cream, and enjoy.