How in the world is it December today?  Seriously, time is just flying by!  I already hate how it gets dark so early, and can't wait for the days to start getting longer again soon.  As a blogger who uses natural light 99% of the time, Winter really makes it harder to get your stuff done!  

Anyway, enough complaining!  Now, for those of you who have been following me for a while will probably be aware of the fact that I'm not a huge coffee drinker.  At all.  So whenever I go out for "coffee" with someone, I'm totally not getting coffee.  But what would a person drink on a dark and chilly night you might ask?  Hot chocolate of course!  It's often my drink of choice in the cold months, and making your own is oh so good.

I used dark chocolate for this recipe since it's the best...I mean, my favourite. Haha.  But you can totally switch it out for the chocolate of your choosing.  Also, salting your whipped cream is the secret to making this drink a homerun.  Seriously!  I know it seems weird, but the salt, whipped cream, and the richness from the chocolate just come together in a beautiful melty delicious masterpiece. I find that the salt really brings out the flavour of the chocolate, and also cuts the sweetness just a tad.  So, don't be scared!  Just do it.

homemade dark hot chocolate

recipe: Jordyn & Kelsey Siemens
yields: 2 very large mugs of hot chocolate

Directions:

1)  In a medium saucepan, combine the chocolate and whipping cream at a low heat, stirring constantly.

2)  Once the chocolate and whipping cream are melted together, add your milk and water.

3)  Heat until it reaches your desired temperature, and pour into your mugs.

4)  Pile the whipped cream high!  Sprinkle a bit of salt and chocolate shavings on top, and serve.

Ingredients:

10 oz dark chocolate, chopped

2 tablespoons whipping cream

2 cups milk

1/2 cup water

whipped cream

coarse salt

chocolate shavings

So there you have it!  I love melting down chocolate instead of just using cocoa powder and sugar, and you can go pretty crazy and use different flavoured chocolate bars too!

Happy December!

-Kels