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February 28, 2023

French Hot Chocolate with Homemade Whipped Cream

by Slow Down Company

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What is French hot chocolate?

If you’re from the states, French hot chocolate probably isn’t what you’re used to. Most hot chocolate in the U.S. is made with hot water and prepackaged hot chocolate powder. I’m not dissing American hot chocolate because I have fond memories of it from my childhood. For years, my mom made my brother and I hot chocolate before school to drink while watching an episode of Fairy Oddparents. It was comforting and delicious, but it doesn’t stand up to French hot chocolate in my opinion.

French hot chocolate is a much grander treat. It’s main ingredients are hot milk, good-quality chocolate, and the special ingredient – heavy cream. The combination of real chocolate and heavy cream makes a luxurious, thick and creamy hot chocolate. It’s really so decadent and filling that I treat it more like a dessert. Top it with homemade whipped cream and chocolate shavings and not only is it dessert, but it’s stunning. 

The original recipe makes about 32 oz. or four 8 oz. servings. That serving size may seem small, but I think it’s likely all you’ll need.

How to Reheat French Hot Chocolate

Often times I don’t drink all the hot chocolate I make and I end up putting it in the fridge for later. You’ll probably notice that when you go to grab it again, the top has solidified. This is the cocoa butter. When cocoa butter is heated, it melts. When it cools again, it solidifies and rises to the surface because the cocoa butter is less dense than the rest of the hot chocolate. To reheat, just put the hot chocolate, including the solidified part, back in the saucepan on the stove and bring it back to scalding temperatures. Good as new.

Tips to make the best French hot chocolate:

  • Splurge on good quality chocolate. The better the chocolate, the better the drink. I do not recommend using baking chips at all.
  • Don’t bring the hot chocolate to a boil or you risk burning the milk. The goal is just to get all the ingredients cohesively melted together. I think medium or medium-low heat is best.
  • Use whole milk for a rich, creamy hot chocolate.

Kitchen Essentials

  • A knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups/spoons
  • A small saucepan
  • A whisk
  • A mixing bowl for the whipped cream (optional)
  • A stand mixer or hand mixer for the whipped cream (optional)
  • A vegetable peeler for chocolate shavings (optional)

Substitutions

  • 60% semisweet chocolate: if you can’t find a good quality bar of semisweet chocolate, you can use a combination of milk chocolate and dark chocolate. For example, using 4.5 oz. of 50% milk chocolate and 2 oz. of 70% dark chocolate will yield identical results as 6.5 oz. of semisweet chocolate.
French Hot Chocolate with Homemade whipped cream and chocolate shavings
French Hot Chocolate with Homemade whipped cream and chocolate shavings
French Hot Chocolate with Homemade whipped cream and chocolate shavings
French Hot Chocolate with Homemade Whipped Cream
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French Hot Chocolate with Homemade Whipped Cream

Recipe by Slow Down Company Course: Desserts, Drinks
Servings

32

oz.
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

5

minutes
Total time

10

minutes

Ingredients

  • French hot chocolate:
  • 2 1/2 cups whole milk

  • 3/4 cup heavy cream

  • 6.5 oz. good quality 60% semisweet chocolate, roughly chopped

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla paste

  • Whipped cream*
  • 1 pint COLD heavy cream or heavy whipping cream

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla paste

Directions

  • Make the whipped cream (optional). If you’re making homemade whipped cream, you’ll want to do that first so it’s ready when your drink is. Add all ingredients for the whipped cream to a bowl and use a stand mixer or hand mixer with a whisk attachment to whip on medium speed. Whip until stiff peaks form, about 1 to 2 minutes. Place the bowl in the fridge until ready to use.
  • Make the hot chocolate, which is as simple as adding all the ingredients to a small saucepan on medium heat. Whisk occasionally to aid the chocolate in melting. Watch carefully to prevent the mixture from boiling. Once scalding, remove from the heat and pour into serving glasses.
  • Optionally, make chocolate shavings by simply passing a vegetable peeler over a bar of chocolate. Top hot chocolate with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Enjoy!

Notes

  • *Nutrition label does not include whipped cream. You will likely have additional whipped cream left over.

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Nutrition Facts

4 servings per container

Serving Size8 oz.


Calories466

  • Amount Per Serving% Daily Value *
  • Total Fat 34.9g 54%
    • Saturated Fat 21.3g 107%
    • Trans Fat 0.7g
  • Cholesterol 65.7mg 22%
  • Amount Per Serving% Daily Value *
  • Potassium 411.8mg 12%
  • Total Carbohydrate 38.0g 13%
    • Dietary Fiber 2.7g 11%
    • Sugars 34.1g
  • Protein 8.0g 16%

    * The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

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    Bianca Soucy, Certified Health Coach

    me

    Hey there! I’m Bianca. I have a passion for creating simple, yet nourishing meals with local and seasonally available ingredients. I’m always dreaming of a slow, easy-going lifestyle – one where a homecooked meal can bring us all together. You can learn more about me by clicking here.

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