Simple Hot Chocolate for One

Ingredients

For 1 servings

• •1 tasse whole milk or any combination of milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream
• •Kosher salt
• •2 oz semisweet or bittersweet chocolate (50%–70% cacao), broken or chopped into pieces, plus more for garnish
• •0.25 c. à café vanilla extract
• •1 c. à soupe unsweetened cocoa powder (optional)
• •2 c. à soupe sugar (optional)
• •Sweetened Whipped Cream (for garnish)

Method

1. 1.Whisk 1 cup whole milk or any combination of milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream with 1 pinch kosher salt in a small saucepan over medium heat on the stovetop until it almost reaches a simmer, 1–2 minutes (do not let it boil over). Remove from heat and add 2 oz. semisweet or bittersweet chocolate (50%–70% cacao), broken or chopped into pieces; let mixture rest 1 minute.
2. 2.Whisk until chocolate is melted and liquid is smooth, then add ¼ tsp. vanilla extract and whisk to combine. Taste and adjust to your liking: For a sweeter flavor, whisk in up to 2 Tbsp. sugar, or if you want a deeper chocolate flavor, whisk in 1 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder. If necessary, reheat the liquid over medium-low heat, stirring, until hot chocolate is steaming. Pour hot chocolate into a mug, top with Sweetened Whipped Cream, and, using a rasp-style grater, shave more chocolate (if using) over whipped cream. Editor’s note: This hot chocolate recipe was first published in November 2011 as part of ‘Gourmet Live,’ an Epicurious exclusive extension of the magazine. Head this way for more of our favorite hot drinks →