Hot chocolate is just the perfect warm and satisfying drink to enjoy over those long winter months.
It can also be enjoyed practically any time – whether for breakfast, as a mid-morning or lunchtime drink – or later in the day, for tea or just before you go to bed. Hot chocolate is good for your health, providing you use a good quality cocoa powder or don’t add too much sugar.
And the basic recipe can be spiced up by adding a hint of nutmeg, ground pepper or cinnamon.
One great way to make Hot Chocolate that little big extra special is by making it with Nutella or any other hazelnut spread. Who ever invented this hot chocolate is a complete genius!
Nutella spread origins
Ah Nutella! If you’ve never come across this gift of chocolate goodness, then indulge me (literally) with a few words by way of explanation. For many chocoholics, Nutella is the best thing since sliced bread. Actually, Nutella is great on sliced bread but that’s another recipe!
Made by the Italian company, Ferrero, and first sold in the mid 1960’s, Nutella’s main ingredients are sugar, palm oil, hazelnuts, cocoa solids and skimmed milk. For many fans, it is chocolate spread heaven and chocolate not so much spread and thickly added to just about anything.
You could say that a little chocolate goes a long way, as the actual chocolate content is not that high, but the flavour has been satisfying global taste buds for generations now.
But back to how to make hot chocolate with Nutella. As it’s simply delicious let’s go with a simple recipe for now.
Nutella Hot Chocolate Recipe
A version with cocoa powder
Ingredients
4 cups low fat/skim milk (or any plant based milk – almond or coconut milk goes well with chocolate)
2 tablespoons Nutella
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons sugar
Fancy Toppings:
Marshmallows
Crushed hazelnuts
Cinnamon
Chocolate chips
Extra Nutella!
Method
Heat milk in a regular saucepan on medium-high heat until beginning to warm and steam. You can also warm up your milk in a microwave. Add the Nutella spread, cocoa powder and sugar, and whisk until the mix is fully dissolved and all comes together
Then, just bring to a gentle simmer while stirring, and take off heat.
Once nice and creamy, pour into a mug, maybe add mini marshmallows and some of your favourite spices and sit back and simply enjoy.
There. Couldn’t be simpler could it?
Serves 4 with around 160 calories.
If you are a complete Nutella fan, and want to dispense with the cocoa powder entirely, and are satisfied by the cocoa solids in the Nutella alone, then try this variation.
Nutella Hot Chocolate Recipe for One
A version without cocoa powder
1 cup of whole milk (or milk of your choice)
3 tablespoons of Nutella (or to taste)
Method
Mix together the milk and Nutella with a whisk in a saucepan over medium heat. The trick is to keep on mixing until the liquid is frothy and the Nutella has melted. If you are careful you can also use a microwave to make this drink.
I usually heat up the milk first and then stir the hazelnut spread in until dissolved. If the drink cools down too much, just re-heat it in a microwave again. If you find your hot chocolate little bit too bland and sweet, try adding a tiny pinch of salt in (literary just a few grains). It makes all the difference, as it brings all he flavours together.
So, what are you waiting for? Why not start right now by making your next hot chocolate a Nutella one! I also love the idea of Unicorn Hot Chocolate – full of colours and fancy marshmallows toppings.
I’m off to heat up some milk…so until next time!
Magdalena
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