French Hot Chocolate Food

PARISIAN HOT CHOCOLATE (LE CHOCOLATE CHAUD)

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, heat the milk until it's hot and bubbles appear. Add salt and the finely chopped dark chocolate and whisk until dissolved and smooth. Bring the hot chocolate to a very low simmer, whisking continuously, and simmer for about 3 minutes (this will thicken it). Stir in the brown sugar if desired and whisk until smooth. Pour into cups and serve with a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
• Note: For an even thicker result, make the hot chocolate ahead of time, let it cool and then reheat when ready to serve.

FRENCH HOT CHOCOLATE

Steps:

• In a small saucepan, heat milk, cream, brown sugar, confectioners' sugar and if desired, espresso powder over medium heat until bubbles form around sides of pan. Remove from heat; whisk in dark chocolate until melted. Serve in mugs with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

FRENCH STYLE HOT CHOCOLATE

Steps:

• Melt chocolate in 1 cup of milk, over low heat, stirring constantly.
• Gradually add remaining milk and half and half, followed by remaining ingredients, except vanilla and almond extract.
• Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until completely heated.
• Stir in vanilla and almond extract.
• Serve with whipped cream and sprinkle with nutmeg if desired.