Im Test: the ideal cold weather drink

Brian over at Food608 posted a hot cocoa recipe. It called for an absolutely insane amount of chocolate and full-fat dairy products, so, naturally, I had to try it.

For one thing, I'm a recent convert to whole milk. Half a cup of it feels more real and filling than a whole tumbler of skim. For another, I always have good chocolate lying around - in this case, 80% cacao Omanhene bars, which I picked up purely because of the Milwaukee address on the wrapper, but which turned out to be really good stuff. And third - who am I kidding? What excuse do you need to drink hot chocolate?

The ratio of chocolate to milk made the recipe sound like more of a chocolate sauce than a beverage, but it proved very drinkable. It's a good idea to use a shallow cup, though, so you can lick it clean.

The results - this is about a shot glass' worth.

So, I admit I had to mod the recipe some. I didn't have heavy cream so I used half & half. I omitted the sugar. The salt-rimmed dish took his "sprinkle of fleur de sel or kosher salt on top" to a new level of nutsness, and I ended up not sipping through most of it. Finally, I thought a twist of the pepper mill would be fun - and in fact, provided a great finale when the last spoonful of not-quite-integrated cocoa solids included a zingy bit of peppercorn.

My condolences to readers in warmer climes who can't enjoy this drink in the weather to which it's best suited. Think of us in the tundra when you're sipping your lychee martinis, eh?