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Baby its cold outside!  Its pretty cold in Texas, but I know a lot of the country is bracing for an extreme arctic freeze. Since this cold front is coming over the weekend it is going to hinder a lot of plans and parties.  So, if you are stuck inside and you have little kids, I am sorry:) There is nothing worse than being stuck in the house with little ones that are bored. My solution is to just drink! 

But, seriously if you are going to be spending a lot of time by the fire the next few days here is an amazing recipe for a European style hot chocolate.  European style means a very concentrated cup of liquid chocolate.  This is not your SwissMiss hot chocolate that comes in the powder form.  This is a decadent, thick, chocolaty slice of heaven.  Think of a flourless chocolate cake in drink form.  You only need a little bit of this so serve it in small coffee cups or even espresso cups.  
I have given you the basic recipe, but you can adjust it with lots of additions like, a shot of Grand Marnier in the pot for a hint of orange or a shot of espresso in the pot to give it a caffeine kick or you can add peppermint extract to make it more holiday-ish.  
Grab a blanket, make a fire and make a pot of this delectable winter drink. Enjoy!

 

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European Hot Chocolate

Makes about 6 small servings

8oz of bittersweet chocolate (bars or chips)
1 1/2 cup whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 Tablespoon powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a small sauce pot over medium low heat add the chocolate, milk, cream and powdered sugar.  

Stir until the mixture becomes thick and silky.  Add in the vanilla extract and stir until incorporated.

If the mixture is too thick add a bit more milk to thin it out.  If the mixture is too thin then continue to heat it until it thickens.  

Be sure the keep this over medium-low heat so you do not burn the chocolate.  

Serve warm. You can serve with whipped cream or marshmallows, but that would not be the "correct" way to serve European Hot Chocolate.  But, drink it however you want!!!

Notes:
* Use the best chocolate you can find or afford (Lindt, Godiva, Ghiradelli...) If you can only find bars of chocolate just break them up before placing them in the pot for easier melting. 
* If you want to add Grand Marnier, peppermint extract, espresso... to the drink then add to the mixture when you add the vanilla.