| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 348 | 18g | 11g | 40g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 32g | 3g | 10g | 0.15g |
I love revisiting and reimagining classic recipes, giving them a fresh twist with new ingredients or techniques. One such recipe is the Mace-infused Hot Cocoa, a comforting winter beverage with a delightful fruity undertone. Remembering the many years spent tinkering in the kitchen, discovering and perfecting countless recipes, I look upon this hot cocoa as the epitome of a heartening treat.
The Magic of Mace
Mace, a lesser-known spice derived from the same plant as nutmeg, gives the hot cocoa a distinct warmth and complexity. As an avid cook and a lover of Midwest cuisine, I often turn to mace; its slightly sweet, spicy flavor profile is wonderfully evocative of heartland cooking. Alongside its delicious flavor, mace is also rich in antioxidants and boasts anti-inflammatory benefits, enhancing the health properties of this warming drink.
A Delightful Pairing: Mace-Infused Hot Cocoa and Strawberries
For a touch of indulgence, I love topping off this rich cocoa with fresh strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream. The tanginess of the strawberries balances out the rich, chocolaty goodness while adding an irresistible visual appeal. Believe me, there is nothing quite as satisfying as a hot mug of Mace-infused Hot Cocoa on a chilly evening in Nebraska.
Savory Complement
This Mace-Infused Hot Cocoa is versatile and complements a multitude of dishes, but my favorite pairing is with a hearty beef stew. The savory, robust flavors of the stew contrast delightfully with the sweet, rich cocoa. For a lighter meal, try pairing it with a corn casserole for a wonderful fusion of Midwest and gourmet flavors.
So here it is, steeped in Nebraska simplicity and Midwestern wholesomeness – my cherished Mace-infused Hot Cocoa. I hope it warms your hearth and home as much as it does mine. Enjoy!
What You’ll Need
- 6 cups of whole milk
- 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground mace
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 6 fresh strawberries (for garnish)
- 6 sprigs of fresh mint (for garnish)
Method
Step One
Start by warming the 6 cups of whole milk in a large pot over medium heat. Make sure to stir occasionally to avoid scorching the milk. Continue this process until the milk is hot but not boiling.
Step Two
While the milk is warming, combine the 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder and 1 cup of granulated sugar in a separate bowl. This will be your cocoa sugar mixture.
Step Three
Next, add the cocoa sugar mixture to the hot milk gradually. Whisk continuously until the sugar and cocoa have completely dissolved.
Step Four
Now, add the 1/2 teaspoon of ground mace, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to the pot. Stir continuously for another minute or two to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed.
Step Five
In a separate bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy cream until it forms soft peaks. This will be used to top your hot cocoa.
Step Six
Once the cocoa mix is ready, pour it into your chosen mugs. Top each mug with a dollop of whipped cream.
Step Seven
To add a final touch to your Mace-infused Hot Cocoa, garnish it with a fresh strawberry and a sprig of fresh mint on each cup. Now, your tasty, creamy, and warm Mace-infused Hot Cocoa is ready to serve and enjoy!
