| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 360 | 19g | 11g | 40g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 30g | 4g | 12g | 0.2g |
When love for French baking meets an affinity for classic Creole fare, you get a kitchen filled with unique recipes and exquisite flavors. One such recipe is the Star Anise Infused Hot Chocolate, a sweet aromatic blend with layers of flavor depth and an undeniable charm that’s both sophisticated and cozy. Walk with me as I take you through why this is one of my personal favorites.
A Nod to My French-Creole Heritage
As a Louisiana native with French ancestry, both my palate and culinary style naturally lean towards eclectic combinations. This hot chocolate recipe draws inspiration from the quintessential French chocolat chaud and embraces the robust character of Creole flavoring with a touch of star anise. This fusion of French elegance and Creole richness, to me, is a beautiful nod to my roots.
Sweet Blend of Healthy Indulgence
This Star Anise Infused Hot Chocolate isn’t just a flavorful treat. It comes packed with health benefits, making it the perfect guilt-free indulgence. Dark chocolate is known to improve vision and brain function, while cocoa powder is a great source of antioxidants. The star anise, besides adding the intriguing licorice notes, is a powerhouse of nutrients and known for its antimicrobial properties. It’s a recipe that ticks all boxes – taste, comfort, and wellness.
An Easy Complement to Any Dessert
While delicious on its own, this hot chocolate recipe also pairs wonderfully with a variety of other dessert dishes. The richness of the chocolate, punctuated by the warming spices, would go splendidly with pastries like beignets or éclairs. Beyond french patisserie, it also teams well with vanilla-scented treats, like pancakes or crepes, accentuating their sweetness while adding a dimensional flavor profile. This recipe is a versatile offering, perfect for all your dessert companionships.
Every sip of this Star Anise Infused Hot Chocolate transports me to a cozy, cheerful world where French sophistication blends seamlessly with Creole comfort, honoring and celebrating both cultures. Here’s hoping you love it as much as I do!
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 liters of milk
- 6 oz of dark chocolate, chopped
- 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 6 tbsp of granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract
- 6 star anise
- Pinch of salt
- Freshly whipped cream, for serving
- Chocolate shavings, for garnish
Method
Step One
Begin by pouring the 1.5 liters of milk into a large saucepan. Add the 6 star anise and heat the milk over medium-low heat. Allow it to slowly come up to a gentle simmer to let the star anise infuse the milk with flavor. This should take around 15-20 minutes. However, make sure not to boil the milk as it can burn or overspill.
Step Two
While the milk is simmering, chop the 6 oz of dark chocolate and set it aside. Also, prepare the 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder and 6 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
Step Three
Once the milk is infused with the star anise, sieve the mixture to remove the star anise. Return the milk to the saucepan and place it back on low heat.
Step Four
Add the chopped dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and sugar to the warm milk. Whisk the mixture vigorously until the chocolate melts completely and the mixture becomes smooth.
Step Five
Stir in the 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Once all ingredients are well-integrated, taste the hot chocolate. If needed, add more sugar to reach your preferred sweetness.
Step Six
Serve the hot chocolate in mugs, topped with freshly whipped cream and chocolate shavings for garnish. Enjoy this Star Anise Infused Hot Chocolate while it’s warm for maximum flavor and comfort.
