Orange Infused Hot Chocolate

 
5 MINS 

10 MINS

Serves 2-4

METHOD

1. Finely chop the dark chocolate and zest the orange.

2. In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it starts to steam. Add the orange zest, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the orange flavour to infuse into the milk. Do not let it boil.

3. In a separate bowl, mix cocoa powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this mixture to the simmering milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.

4. Add the finely chopped dark chocolate to the milk mixture. Continue to whisk until the chocolate is completely melted and the hot chocolate becomes smooth and velvety.

5. Stir in the vanilla extract, ensuring it is well incorporated.

6. Pour the orange-infused hot chocolate into mugs.

7. Optionally, top each mug with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of orange zest.

8. Serve immediately and enjoy your indulgent orange-infused hot chocolate!

HANDY TIP

Experiment with different types of chocolate for varied flavour profiles, such as milk chocolate or a combination of dark and milk chocolate.
For a festive touch, add a dash of orange liqueur or a splash of brandy to the hot chocolate just before serving.

To create a smoother hot chocolate, consider using a handheld milk frother to mix the cocoa powder into the milk. This helps achieve a velvety texture without any lumps.