Chocolat Chaud Recipe

By Rebecca Franklin

frenchfood.about.com

French Hot Chocolate

Gary Tamin/SXC

Try this rich chocolat chaud recipe, also known as French hot chocolate, for an over-the-top-treat. For centuries, chocolate has been purported to hold great health benefits – it enhances circulation, improves the libido, gives energy, and has been used as a tonic for infectious disease and digestive disorders.

In 1643, Princess Maria Theresa of Spain brought a gift of chocolate to France, a royal chocolate maker was employed, and chocolate has been a rage ever since.

Cook’s note: For a different flavor, use chopped bittersweet or white chocolate. Remember to choose a premium chocolate for the best chocolat chaud.

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 7 minutes

Ingredients:

• 6 oz. semisweet chocolate, chopped
• ¼ cup plus 3 tablespoons hot water, divided
• 3 cups hot milk
• Sugar, to taste
• Whipped cream
• Chocolate curls

Preparation:

Using a double boiler or a heat-safe glass bowl over simmering water, melt the chopped chocolate into ¼ cup of the water. Stir in the 3 tablespoons hot water and milk until the chocolate mixture is smooth. Pour the hot chocolate into cups and add sugar as desired. Garnish each cup with a spoonful of whipped cream and a few chocolate curls.