Drinking Chocolate, Pure Indulgence

Ever have those moments when your soul is crying out for dark chocolate? Nothing else could sooth you more than having a deep, smoky layer of dark chocolate rolling over your tongue and filling your cheeks.  It can be the only thing to calm a hectic day or settle a highly hormonal day.

Drinking chocolate will make you swoon.  Get yourself in a quite spot without any distractions for 20 minutes and loose yourself in small cup.  Don't try to read; don't try to do anything but sip this warm, liquid heaven.  You will be transformed to a happy place and come out relaxed, yet energized.

I don't recommend drinking chocolate before bed; it can leave you with a little buzz.  Not like a caffeine buzz, not that strong.  Let me put this way, you won't be ready for bed.  My husband and I enjoy a cup after dinner, occasionally.  It's not something you want to take in everyday, either.  That would take the fun and specialness out of it.  Besides, I've tried having it a few nights in a row; it's too much.

I found this recipe from an old Hershey's recipe booklet.  It makes two perfect servings.  And yes, you'll want to share the chocolate.  It's too much for one person; trust me.  I've learned to add to the recipe, as all cooks do.  The addition of cinnamon and fresh ground pepper flakes comes from my love for spicy chocolate bars and Chipotle-Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds. *mouth watering*

HERE'S ALL IT TAKES

• 1-ounce square of Hershey's Unsweetened or Semi-Sweet Chocolate Premium Baking Bar
• 2 tablespoons hot water
• 1/4 cup sugar
• dash of salt
• 1/4 cup milk, warmed
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Finely chop the 1-ounce square of chocolate evenly.  Add the chocolate, hot water, sugar, and salt to a small bowl set over a pan of simmering water (double boiler.)  Stir to a smooth consistency until sugar is dissolved.

Stir in warm milk.  Heat, stirring occasionally, until hot.

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Pour into demitasse cups or very small cups that can hold 1/4 cup liquid.  Serve immediately.  Enjoy casually.

After you've learned how it tastes, try spicing it up and see which way you like it more.

TO SPICE IT UP

• one good twist fresh ground pepper flakes
• dash of fresh ground cinnamon
  

Add these two spices when adding the sugar and salt; the heat really wakes up the aroma and flavors.

The pepper flakes add a gentle heat to the back of the throat, completing the mouth-fill sensation from the deep chocolate.  The cinnamon fills the nose at the same time.  It's a wonderful way to wake up your senses.

Have a sip?