Drinks

Spiced Christmas Hot Chocolate

This decadent and spiced hot chocolate recipe is provided by Knoops artisan chocolate makers. It's been inspired by the traditional speculoos recipe that originated during the 17th century in the Netherlands, with the addition of some orange zest. The perfect treat for cold nights!

10 minutes prep,

Serves 1

Ingredients

200ml milk (or plant - based alternative)

3 tbsp (approximately 34 grams) of 54% dark chocolate flake

1 tsp spice mix (see below)

½ tsp fresh grated orange zest from an unwaxed orange. If using a waxed orange, soak in hot water, scrub, and soak again in hot water to remove all wax before zesting

For the spice mix (makes 5 hot chocolates)

1 tbsp ground cinnamon

½ tsp ground ginger

½ ground white pepper

¾ tsp ground nutmeg

¾ tsp ground cloves

¼ ground cardamom

Method

Heat milk and add the chocolate flakes, and 1 tsp spice mix. Stir or whisk until fully dissolved.

Add orange zest, and stir or whisk again. Alternatively, place all ingredients into a chocolate shaker, and heat in the microwave for 1 -2 minutes without the lid. Remove from the microwave, add the lid and shake for 10-15 seconds, until all ingredients are fully blended.

Pour into a hot chocolate mug, and serve immediately.