I love chocolate. I love it in every state of aggregation, in every color or flavor combination. And I love it even more when outside is freezing and the chocolate waits for me patiently in a huge cup, garnished with tangy cocoa powder and silky marshmallows.

I love hot chocolate because:

• it’s sweet and slightly bitter, with subtle notes of vanilla and coffee
• it’s quite dense and creamy, silky and decadent
• it warms both my body and my soul
• it’s ready in less than 10 minutes
• reminds me of my childhood

Ingredients (for 2 servings):

• 1 + ½ Tbsp cocoa powder (12g)
• 1 – 2 Tbsp granulated brown sugar (15 – 30g)
• 1 + ½ cups whole milk (360ml)
• 3.5 oz semisweet chocolate ( I used Milka Extra Cocoa – 45% cocoa) – 100g
• ¼ tsp instant coffee powder
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• 1/8 tsp sea salt

for serving:

• marshmallows
• ½ tsp cocoa powder

Method:

1. In a medium saucepan bring the water to a simmer over medium heat. Add the cocoa and the instant coffee powder and whisk for about 2 minutes, until the cocoa powder has dissolved.
2. Add the sugar and milk and let it simmer  for about 2 minutes, whisking frequently.  Reduce the heat to low, add the chocolate squares and simmer the mixture for 3 minutes, until smooth and creamy.
3. Remove from heat and season with salt and vanilla extract.
4. Serve hot garnished with marshmallows and cocoa powder.

Source: www.bonappetit.com