This is an incredibly rich and decadent hot chocolate drink. It is a thick, rich, blissful drink of chocolate that is perfect for savoring slowly and enjoying the moment. Choose a good quality dark chocolate and prepare yourself for the quintessence of hot chocolate drinks.

I like to use 72% to 85% cocoa for this but if you are a bit squeamish about a high percentage of cocoa, choose 65%. The secret ingredient here is the sea salt. You really should use the salt, it gives the chocolate an extra depth, balances out the bitterness of the dark chocolate and actually enhances the sweetness without making it too sweet.

It’s hard to believe something so decadent can be good for you but there are actually healthy benefits to eating (or drinking) chocolate.

Chocolate is rich in compounds like flavonoids and polyphenols that have antioxidant properties. These compounds have a healthful effect on the cells that line the inside of blood vessels and protect against heart and vascular disease.

A recent study showed that people who ate chocolate had a lower risk of heart disease and stroke.

It’s a good excuse to eat more chocolate and the study even showed evidence to suggest that a higher intake of chocolate (16 to 100 grams per day) was associated with a lower risk of heart disease and death.  

However, even though chocolate can have health benefits, it is usually packaged with sugar and the toxic effects of sugar can counter the benefits of chocolate.  So unless your chocolate is unsweetened, drink this delicacy in moderation.

This is such a luxurious drink and a perfect treat for Christmas morning. You just might want to make this a yearly tradition for the Christmas season.  This recipe calls for six small 4 ounce servings, just enough to savor and satisfy your taste buds.
I originally got the recipe from David Leibovitz site and modified it to suit my taste.

For some other decadent chocolate desserts, check our Salted Chocolate Fudge Cookies,  they are so addictive! Another favorite is our velvety smooth Dark Chocolate Truffles.  These truffles are like the kind I found in Paris. 

They make the perfect chocolate fix and they just melt in your mouth. If you’re looking for something creamy and smooth, you just have to try our  Chocolate Amaretto Mousse

Yield: 6 servings

Decadent Hot Chocolate

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This is an incredibly rich and luxurious hot chocolate drink. It is meant for savoring slowly and enjoying the moment.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 cups whole milk
• 8 1/2 ounces good quality dark chocolate, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• small pinch of sea salt

Instructions

1. Heat the milk in a medium sized saucepan until hot and steamy.
2. Whisk in the chocolate until completely melted and smooth then stir in the vanilla and a pinch of salt.

Notes

The addition of salt gives the chocolate an extra depth, balances out the bitterness of the dark chocolate and actually enhances the sweetness without making it too sweet.