~ What? Hot Chocolate? Is she nuts? Doesn’t she know it’s like an inferno here? ~ Come on, admit it! That is exactly what you’re thinking!  It may be 109 degrees with 99 % humidity where you are, but in true English summer fashion, it is a cool 42 degrees and raining this Monday morning, 6 June 2011!  The british weather gods are making real sure we are nice and toasty when we finally make it to San Antonio (currently 72 degrees at midnight, I might add ~ 99 degrees is the forecasted high! HOT!!)!  So, needless to say, but I’ll say it anyway, as I stumbled down stairs at 0520 this morning, coozy winter socks on, sweater on over pjs ~ it felt like a hot cocoa kind of day ~ Maybe if you drink a cup, you’ll feel as though you’re right here with me!

Ever been to Italy and ordered hot chocolate, or ciocolato caldo? This isn’t your ordinary drinking chocolate ~ you literally need a spoon! The rich, thick gooey goodness is every bit as delish as it’s cold cousin, Gelato!

Val’s Hot Chocolate

• 4 c milk
• 1/2 c sugar
• 4 T cornstarch
• 8 T  unsweetened baking cocoa, best quality you can find
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla
• dash of salt

In a large saucepan, whisk sugar, cornstarch, cocoa, cinnamon and salt; whisk in milk; cook over medium heat until thickened, stirring constantly to prevent scorching; remove from heat, stir in vanilla. Enjoy with homemade cinnamon whipped cream!  Place 1 cup of heavy cream in large bowl, add 6 T powdered sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon; whisk or beat with hand mixer until thick ~ enjoy! v