This hot chocolate is so joyfully thick and rich, to call it a drink doesn’t seem quite right. The secret is cornstarch, which might seem strange, but the thickness it provides makes this just perfect for dunking. An extra-special touch, for adults only, pear liqueur provides a little bit of added joy. This could be served as a dessert or as a special treat in one of those quiet moments you steal for yourself and that we all need during the winter season.
Ingredients
- 1 x 3 1/2 ounce good quality chocolate bar, 70% cocoa
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon corn starch
- 4 cardamom pods, cracked
- 2 cups milk
- 2 ounces pear liqueur
- pinch of salt
Instructions
Break up the chocolate and place it in a small bowl along with the cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Heat milk with the cardamom pods in a small saucepan until just about boiling. Remove the pan from heat and strain into a small pitcher, removing the cardamom pods. Set the pan aside. You will use it again shortly. Pour about two tablespoons of the hot milk into the bowl of chocolate, and mix to make a paste. Continue adding small quantities of hot milk until the chocolate mixture is mostly homogeneous. Now put all the chocolate and the milk together in the original milk pan, and heat up until it begins to bubble. Reduce the heat and cook for about 2 minutes, until the chocolate begins to thicken. At this point, use your judgement to thicken the chocolate to your desired thickness, understanding that the chocolate will get even thicker as it cools.
Add a ½ ounce of pear liqueur to a one-cup heatproof glass or cup, then add the hot chocolate. Sneak a holiday cookie, or serve with some slices of pear, for dunking.
Makes 2 one-cup portions with a bit extra for top-up.
