I did it. I finally made a good hot chocolate at home. I will now share with you the way to heaven on earth...
*cue angelic music*
You will need:
1 14oz can sweetened, condensed milk
1/2 c unsweetened cocoa
Dash of salt
1-1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp peppermint extract (optional, but highly recommended)
4-6 c milk (the higher the milkfat, the creamier it will be; I used whole milk)
1 tsp sugar, approx., to taste
Whipped cream or mini marshmallows for topping, optional
Mix the condensed milk, cocoa, extracts, and salt in a large saucepan. Turn the heat on low and slowly add in the milk, whisking gently. Heat the mixture slowly and do not let it boil.
You may want to sift your cocoa powder before adding it. I had a lot of lumps in mine, requiring more whisking to smooth it out.
I suggest tasting once you have everything mixed together and it's warming. I used dark cocoa powder, and ended up adding about a teaspoon of sugar because it was a little too bitter for me. I also used only 4 cups of milk (instead of the 6 cups of water in the original recipe...water? Seriously? Who likes water as their hot chocolate base?!); the less milk you use the creamier it will be.
Store leftovers, if you have any, covered in the fridge. I covered mine with plastic wrap touching the top to prevent that nasty skin thing from forming.
I hope you enjoy this as much as I am! Feel free to pass along any feedback or questions, I'd love to hear from you!
Cheers!
The Jolly Cook