Stovetop Hot Chocolate for Two

It has been a hectic day of weather in Michigan.  Since about halfway through last week, the news has been warning of a possible 'tornado outbreak' today.  Thunderstorms and a possibility of tornadoes in November?  I've been sure that something terrible was going to happen, and as a result, I have been glued to the weather for most of the afternoon - watching radar makes me feel the safest. 

+/-
+ we have power
- our street is absolutely flooded
+ we finished up the last of the raking and misc yard work yesterday
+ the worst of the storm appears to have passed
- I am completely wound up (and I feel bad for my husband)

So, we're doing okay.

To keep myself busy and use up some of this nervous energy that I didn't need for rescuing my pets or outrunning a tornado, I made hot chocolate and sweetened whipped cream - for two!  I LOVE stovetop hot chocolate, it is much more rich and decadent than the packets, and it always makes me feel like a kid to drink it.  The recipe is super easy and makes two big, warm and satisfying mugs of hot chocolate, but you can scale it up or down as necessary. 

Stovetop Hot Chocolate & Whipped Cream (for two)

Printable Recipe

You'll Need...
For the Hot Chocolate...
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup water
Pinch of salt
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Whipped Cream...
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Get Prepared...
If you are planning to whip your own cream, place a glass or metal bowl in the freezer.

Method...
Combine the cocoa powder, sugar, salt and water in a small saucepan placed over medium heat.  Stir to combine, and stir often as mixture comes to a boil. 

Once the chocolate reaches a boil and a syrupy consistency reduce heat to medium low and add vanilla extract and milk.  Stir to combine and occasionally as the hot chocolate reaches your desired temperature.

Whip the cream.  You can do this in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment or (if you need to work on your arms), with a whisk.  Simply combine the cream and sugar and whisk the mixture until you have soft peaks.  You'll know when you're done, and let's be honest, it's going to melt the instant it hits the hot chocolate - but it's totally worth the effort.

Serve...

Ladle (or pour if you're feeling brave) the hot chocolate into two large mugs and top with the cream as desired. 

Okay, maybe I went a little overboard on the whipped cream.  Like that's even a thing.