There’s just something magical about Parisian hot chocolate. It’s not just a drink; it’s an experience! I remember my first time sipping this delight in a cozy little café tucked away on a side street in Paris. The rich, velvety chocolate enveloped my senses, making me feel warm and fuzzy inside, even on a chilly day. Ever since then, I’ve been on a mission to recreate that luscious experience at home, and let me tell you, this recipe does just that!
This recipe is perfect for those days when you want to indulge a little. You know those days—where you just need a moment to escape and treat yourself. The combination of whole milk and heavy cream creates a luxurious base, while high-quality dark chocolate brings in that deep, rich flavor that Parisian hot chocolate is known for. And let’s be honest, a swirl of whipped cream on top just makes it all the more irresistible!
What’s in Parisian-Style Hot Chocolate?
Whole Milk: The heart of this creamy concoction! Whole milk gives the hot chocolate its luscious texture. I prefer using organic milk for the best taste, but any kind will work.
Heavy Cream: This is the secret weapon for ultra-creamy hot chocolate! It thickens the mixture and adds an extra layer of richness that you don’t want to skip.
Dark Chocolate (70% cocoa or higher): Here’s where the magic happens! I always go for high-quality chocolate because it makes a world of difference. Brands like Scharffen Berger or Ghirardelli are fantastic for this.
Granulated Sugar: Just a touch to enhance the sweetness! You can adjust the amount to suit your taste. Sometimes I like it a little sweeter, and other times, I let the chocolate shine on its own.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile. I love using pure vanilla extract; it just tastes so much better than the imitation stuff!
Pinch of Sea Salt: This might seem like a small addition, but trust me, it elevates the chocolate flavor beautifully. We need a little balance, right?
Whipped Cream: Because what’s a hot chocolate without a fluffy cloud of cream on top? You can use store-bought or whip some up quickly—either way, it’s a must-have!
Chocolate Shavings or Cocoa Powder: For garnish! A sprinkle of these makes your hot chocolate look as good as it tastes.
Is Parisian-Style Hot Chocolate Good for You?
Now, while this hot chocolate is undeniably delicious, it’s important to think about the health aspects too. On the upside, it’s loaded with calcium from the milk and cream which is great for bones! The dark chocolate provides antioxidants, which can be beneficial for heart health.
However, let’s not kid ourselves—it’s also high in calories and sugar, especially if you pile on the whipped cream. Enjoying this as a treat is the way to go! If you’re looking for a lighter version, you could swap in low-fat milk or use less cream. But seriously, sometimes I think life is too short for low-fat hot chocolate!
Ingredients List
– 2 cups whole milk
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 6 ounces high-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher), chopped
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of sea salt
– Whipped cream, for serving
– Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder, for garnish
This recipe serves 2.
How to Make Parisian-Style Hot Chocolate?
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Heat over medium heat until the mixture is hot but not boiling, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
2. Once hot, reduce the heat to low and add the chopped dark chocolate, stirring until it’s completely melted and combined.
3. Stir in the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt. Adjust the sugar based on your preference for sweetness.
4. Continue to heat the chocolate mixture, stirring constantly until it reaches your desired temperature.
5. Remove from heat and pour the hot chocolate into cups.
6. Top each serving with a generous dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder for garnish.
Cocoa Delights and Tips
For an even richer flavor, consider using a mix of dark chocolate and milk chocolate. It creates a lovely depth of flavor that’s hard to resist! Feeling adventurous? Add a splash of your favorite liqueur—think peppermint schnapps or Bailey’s—for an adult twist.
Enjoy your Parisian-style hot chocolate immediately, as it’s best served warm. Hopefully, it brings you all the cozy feels like it does for me! Don’t forget to share your experience, and let me know how it turns out. Happy sipping!
