Chilli Hot Chocolate

THIS QUIRKY, CHILLI-SPIKED HOT CHOCOLATE DRINK IS SPICED UP WITH RED CHILLI FLAKES AND BACKED UP WITH A WARM SWEETNESS, WHICH COMES FROM THE NUTMEG AND CINNAMON. SERVE WITH SWEET FRUIT BREAD – PERFECT FOR DIPPING.

SERVES 4 | PREPARATION TIME: 5 MINUTES
STANDING TIME: 8–10 MINUTES | COOKING TIME: 15 MINUTES

FRESH

750ml full-cream (whole) milk

75ml light (single) cream

SPICES

1 cinnamon stick

pinch of grated nutmeg

1 dried red chilli

PANTRY/LARDER

25g drinking chocolate powder

150g good-quality dark chocolate, at least 70% cocoa solids, roughly chopped

sugar (optional)

DECORATION

small pinch of red chilli flakes

SERVE

6 tablespoons whipped double cream

grated chocolate

1. Heat the milk, cream, cinnamon stick, nutmeg and dried chilli in a heavy-based saucepan over a medium–high heat. Bring to the boil, then remove from the heat and set aside for 8–10 minutes to infuse.

2. Strain into a clean pan and reheat over a low heat for 2–3 minutes (don’t boil).

3. Reduce the heat, add the chocolate powder and chopped chocolate and whisk until smooth and melted.

4. Serve with whipped cream, grated chocolate and a very small sprinkle of chilli flakes, adding sugar, if liked.