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November is finally here and the weather is turning cooler, for the most part! I mean, I live in Texas and one day I am getting a suntan because it is 90 degrees outside and then there are days like today where the high is 50 – go figure! But most of the evenings are pleasant and cool enough to enjoy a cozy fire in the outdoor fireplace and some homemade southern hot chocolate!
Now don’t get me wrong, I grew up drinking the hot chocolate that my Mom made from the little packets at the grocery store. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that type of hot chocolate! But as I have become more and more into food, as I have gotten older, I have discovered that making your own hot chocolate is not only a lot of fun but it is also better tasting!
Southern Hot Chocolate
- 1 cup of milk (I prefer whole milk)
- 1 cups of half and half
- 1 disk of Abuelita
- whipping cream (yes, I use the kind in the jar!)
- Chocolate syrup
- sprinkle of cinnamon
- small splash of vanilla
I start by slowly warming the milk and half and half in a sauce pan over medium to low heat. Don’t try to rush this step because you will ruin your hot chocolate! Slow is better. Trust me on this one! I have a set of the Rachel Ray cookware and really like how evenly they distribute the heat when I am cooking. Plus! They are dishwasher safe! And that my friend is the ONLY way to go!
Next add your disk of Abuelita and carefully stir as it dissolves in the pan. If I am feeling really frisky I use my handheld milk whisk!
Once your southern hot chocolate begins to steam, literally you will see steam come up off the pan just before the boiling point, remove pan from heat and pour into your favorite coffee mugs. Add your whipped topping and any sauces that you like and enjoy! I personally love the Ghirardelli sauces and are partial to the caramel and chocolate! But by all means, please be careful – this is a HOT beverage and you don’t want to burn your self! That would take all the fun and flavor out of enjoying your southern hot chocolate!
This is a great beverage that will keep you warm and wanting more throughout the colder months! I hope you enjoy it as much as we do! If you like this recipe you might like our post on A Dessert to Impress or one of my favorites to make for friends and neighbors during the holiday season Semi-Homemade Cinnamon Rolls.