Easy Gourmet Lavender Hot Cocoa for Two
If, like me, you consider chocolate a Valentine’s Day essential and always like to share an easy yet memorable treat with that special someone, consider making this rich-tasting, hot cocoa recipe for two. It will come together quickly, and with little muss and fuss. Even better, it will be warming, filling, delightfully chocolatey and seem like a grand indulgence, especially when a splash of lavender syrup and hint of vanilla go in for a gourmet touch. My recipe for making your own Gourmet Lavender Fruit Syrup is available in my latest free culinary lavender newsletter; click the navigation tab above.
At any given time I have four or five brands of unsweetened cocoa powder in my kitchen, and while the ordinary supermarket offerings will do here, I’ve found that the Guittard Cocoa Rouge Unsweetened Dutch-Process Cocoa delivers a particularly delectable brew. Interestingly, this cocoa also delivers great taste in baked goods, so is handy to keep around. It’s available at some Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, and World Market stores, as well as online.
- ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) pure, unsweetened cocoa powder (not a sweetened drink mix)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (or sugar substitute if preferred)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
- 2¼ cups whole or 2-percent fat milk or unsweetened regular or low-calorie almond milk
- About 3 to 4 tablespoons homemade (or purchased) lavender syrup, or gourmet lavender-fruit syrup, to taste
- Mini-marshmallows for garnishing, optional
- Put ¼ cup hot tap water in a 4-cup or larger microwave-safe glass measure or similar-sized bowl or pitcher. Stir in the cocoa powder and sugar (and vanilla if desired) until smooth and lump-free.
- Stir in the milk; microwave on 100 percent power for 2 minutes. Stir well, and watching carefully to prevent boil-overs, continue microwaving on full power, stopping and stirring at 1 minute intervals until the cocoa is piping hot.
- Divide between two mugs and stir in lavender syrup to taste. Float mini-marshmallows on top and serve immediately. Makes 2 1 cup servings.
