During these cold winter months there is only thing better than hot tea, and that is a cup of hot chocolate. It’s one of my favorite treats. As a kid we’d make this winter treat with store bought hot chocolate packets and mixed in heated milk. If we were feeling luxurious we’d add marshmallows!

Well when I was studying abroad in Krakow,  I met a good friend at a cafe one cold winter night and ordered myself a cup of hot chocolate. What arrived changed hot chocolate for me forever. Instead of the liquidy hot chocolate I was expecting I got a dark, velvety cup of heaven. The consistency was thick, almost like a melted chocolate bar.  It was glorious and the best thing I’ve ever tasted in my life.  Ever since I compare the hot chocolates I get in the U.S. to that delicious hot chocolate served in Krakow.  Sadly, nothing ever measures up to that amazing hot chocolate.

While I’d like to be able to fly over to Europe and go back to that cafe for some chocolatey heaven,  I figured I could try make it myself.  The key is to ensure the consistency is thick and that the drink really tastes as if it were a melted chocolate bar. After doing some research I used the following recipe from Well Plated by Erin but modified the portions and directions since I just wanted to test the recipe and see if it came close. Well the verdict is in and it was perfect! It was the closest thing I’ve tasted to that hot chocolate in Krakow.  Read on to try this recipe and experience what real hot chocolate tastes like.

Hot Chocolate Ingredients

• 4 oz bittersweet chocolate
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon powdered sugar
• whipped cream

Directions

1. Combine cream, milk, sugar and whisk over low heat. As the milk warms it will start to bubble on the sides of the pan and slightly thicken.  Taste the milk and if you like it sweet add more powdered sugar. (I don’t like my hot chocolate as sweet, but if you have a sweet tooth add more!)

2. Once the milk is hot, bring it down to the lowest heat and slowly stir in the chocolate until it is completed melted. Let the mixture stand on the heat for a few minutes and you will see it start to darken and thicken.

3. Serve with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cacao powder! Enjoy!

Taking my first sip I was taken back to that cafe in Krakow  – the consistency, the taste, were exactly the same. This will be my go to treat for this winter and I hope you enjoy it too!