| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 400 | 22g | 14g | 35g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 30g | 3g | 11g | 0.25g |
Of the many recipes that bring warmth to my kitchen, Allspice-Infused Hot Chocolate holds a special place in my heart. This wonderful concoction borrows flavors from the fragrant world of spices and combines them with the heavenly decadence of chocolate. What results from this amalgamation is not just a drink, but an experience that truly satiates the soul. The star players in this recipe – allspice berries and dark chocolate – are not just chosen for their flavors but also for their health benefits.
The Allure of Allspice
Living in the Rockies, nature has been a persistent muse in developing my recipes. This one is no different. The allspice berry, sourced from the Jamaican pimento tree, carries within it the flavors of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and juniper berries. It’s as if nature decided to pack an entire blend of spices in one little berry. This star ingredient lends our Allspice-Infused Hot Chocolate a unique flavor profile, while also providing numerous health benefits. It’s known to aid digestion, boost immunity, and even provide relief from menstrual pain.
The Comfort of Chocolate
The next key component of this recipe, dark chocolate, holds fond memories for me. There’s something comforting about a rich, velvety chocolaty sip that no other taste can compete with. But it’s not all about the palate. Dark chocolate, especially the kind with high cocoa content, comes with a range of health benefits. It’s packed with nutrients, loaded with antioxidants, and could even improve brain function.
When jazzed up with a swirl of freshly whipped cream and a pop of seasonal fruit garnish, this beverage transforms into a delectable dessert. This hot chocolate would pair excellently with my game meat recipes, such as venison stew or bison burgers, making for a delightful end to a hearty meal.
I love this recipe because of its versatility and its ability to evoke both comfort and pleasure. As I share my Allspice-Infused Hot Chocolate with loved ones, huddled around the fire back home in Colorado or with Gordon on our quiet nights in, it is more than a dessert or a drink. It’s an offering of warmth, of love, and a moment frozen in the cosiness that life, at times, graces us with.
What You’ll Need
- 6 cups of whole milk
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon of allspice berries
- 1 star anise
- 6 cloves
- 12 ounces of dark chocolate, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons of sugar, or to taste
- Freshly whipped cream, for serving
- Seasonal fruit, for garnish (optional)
Method
Step One
Pour the 6 cups of whole milk into a medium-large saucepan. Add 1 cinnamon stick, 1 teaspoon of allspice berries, 1 star anise and 6 cloves into the milk. Stir gently to mix.
Step Two
Set the saucepan on medium heat and allow it to heat gently till it reaches a simmer. Be vigilant to avoid letting the milk boil over.
Step Three
Once it starts to simmer, remove the saucepan from heat and set it aside. Allow the spices to steep in the hot milk for about 10-15 minutes to fully extract their flavors.
Step Four
Next, strain the milk through a fine sieve into another saucepan to remove the spices. Ensure you capture all the cloves, allspice berries and the cinnamon stick in the sieve and discard them.
Step Five
Put the strained milk back on medium heat and add the 12 ounces of roughly chopped dark chocolate to it. Also, add the 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract and the 2 tablespoons of sugar or adjust to your taste.
Step Six
Stir continuously until the chocolate and sugar are thoroughly dissolved in the milk. Ensure to keep the heat low to avoid any chance of scorching the milk.
Step Seven
Once everything is smooth and properly combined, remove the saucepan from heat. Your Allspice-Infused Hot Chocolate is now ready to be served.
Step Eight
Pour the hot chocolate into mugs or cups and top each serving with some freshly whipped cream. If you desire, you can garnish with some seasonal fruit. Serve hot and enjoy your Allspice-Infused Hot Chocolate.
