As the cold weather decends upon my little corner of the earth, and I can think of no horse racing topic to muse about I thought I'd share my secret tips to the perfect cup of hot chocolate.
First and foremost the enjoyment level of any hot drink is greatly increased through the simple step of proper mug selection. So many people are drawn in my fancy outward trappings, but the structural aspects of the mug are the most important. I personally perfer a three fingered straight handle with a 1 1/4 cup capacity. I dont like the mugs with an angled handle or the ones that arent big enough for three fingers. It puts way too much strain on the pinky and over the course of enjoying a single hot chocolate you'll be forced to set the mug down several times from the discomfort. Find a mug that works for you and use it exclusively.
The challenge with hot chocolate is you have to meld powder and liquid seemlessly while at the same time evoking a light froth. If you dump the powder in then fill the cup you're sunk, you'll never get the froth. If you try the reverse you'll encounter powder pockets as you drink and quite often you'll have to chew them down.
The best method for making consistent and frothy hot chocolate is the paste method. Read the side label on the powder canister for the recommended guidelines then adjust it by the approximate size of your cup. Often the powder guidelines are written for 3/4 of a cup and it can leave a larger cup being pretty weak. Add the requisite amount of powder, along with about an 1/8 cup of milk (cold milk is fine). Stir vigirously until the powder is thoroughly mixed then let it stand for about 30 seconds. Then add the hot water slowly while stirring very little, the paste and the water will naturally mix quite well on thier own. If you stir too much during this phase you will beat down the froth.
Add marshmellows to taste and enjoy your perfect hot chocolate :)
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