Salted caramel hot chocolate

Hot chocolate, with its creamy texture and indulgent flavor, can transport us back to childhood. It’s the feeling of warmth and comfort that makes us feel like kids again, even if only for a moment. I enjoy styling winter delights. Here are a few pointers to remember while styling hot chocolate.

1 Make the drink a little extra thick so that it holds the toppings as you click. Make sure it is the drink is cold. 

While hot chocolate is delicious on its own, there’s no denying that the right toppings can take it to the next level. Here are some of the most preferred toppings that can turn a simple cup of cocoa into a delightful winter treat:

Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream is a classic choice. Its light and airy texture complements the richness of the hot chocolate, adding a delightful contrast to the dark brown color. Pipe it out on top of the hot chocolate for a clean look.

Marshmallows: One huge marshmallow or a pile of mini ones. Blowtorching them adds to the look.

Chocolate Shavings: Chocolate shavings or chocolate chips are a great option. My personal favorite is the shavings with their sharp edges like glass shards. They can be a bit messy so try using a spoon to handle them.

Cinnamon or Nutmeg: A pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg can add a warm and slightly spicy note to your hot chocolate, making it even more comforting and appealing. Cinnamon sticks look great in and around the cuppa. Cocoa dust and ground cinnamon look perfect as a food prop. Place them in a pinch bowl or scatter around the scene.

Caramel Drizzle: Drizzling caramel sauce over your hot chocolate can introduce a sweet and slightly salty contrast that’s divine. Place a pot of caramel with a spoon dripping with the sauce. 

Peppermint Stick: If you’re a fan of minty flavors, a peppermint stick can be used as a stirrer, infusing your hot chocolate with a refreshing twist. They are my perfect props for occasions like Christmas. I sometimes crush them and use them as sprinkles over the whipped cream.

I hope these tips are useful the next time you think of styling a mug of hot chocolate. Whether you choose to top it with whipped cream, marshmallows, or something unique, remember that it’s not just a drink; it’s a vessel for creating warm and fuzzy memories that will last a lifetime.

Ingredients

• Cornstarch 1 ½ tsp cornstarch
• Kosher salt ¼ tsp
• Confectioners’ sugar 2 Tbsp
• Milk 2 cups
• Heavy cream ½ cup
• Dark or bittersweet chocolate, 120 gms chopped
• Cocoa powder 1 ½ tbsp
• Vanilla extract
• Salted caramel 2 tbsp + extra for drizzle
• marshmallows, for topping

Method

1. In a saucepan, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s hot but not boiling. Do not let it boil.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder and granulated sugar.
3. Gradually whisk the cocoa powder mixture into the hot milk mixture until it’s well combined and smooth. Mix the cornstarch with 2 tbsp of water, whisk well, and add to the hot chocolate.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt, adjusting to taste. Pour one tablespoon of salted caramel sauce into the serving mugs and pour the desired amount of hot chocolate over it. Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of additional caramel sauce.
5. Optionally, garnish with chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an extra touch of decadence.