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French Hot Chocolate

French hot chocolate is made with bittersweet chocolate, whole milk, and cream for a rich, silky drink. The chocolate is melted with hot milk, then warmed gently before serving.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
resting 2 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Drink
Cuisine: French
Calories: 676
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz bittersweet chocolate 60% to 70% cacao, finely chopped
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 0.125 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

  • 1 2-quart saucepan

Method
 

  1. Place the chopped bittersweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
  2. Heat the whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, and kosher salt in a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until steaming and small bubbles form around the edges; do not let it boil.
  3. Pour the hot milk mixture over the chocolate.
  4. Let stand for 2 minutes.
  5. Whisk until smooth.
  6. Whisk in the vanilla extract.
  7. Return the mixture to the saucepan.
  8. Warm over low heat for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring, until hot.
  9. Divide among four mugs and serve.

Notes

For the smoothest texture, chop the chocolate finely. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days; freezing is not recommended. For a dairy-free variation, use dairy-free milk and cream alternatives.