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French Press Hot Chocolate

French Press Hot Chocolate

A rich, creamy hot chocolate prepared in a French press with real chocolate, cocoa powder, vanilla, and gently heated milk. It makes about four servings in approximately 15 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 cups (960 ml) Whole milk
  • 4 oz (113 g) Bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons (10–12 g) Unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2–3 tablespoons (25–38 g) Granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon Fine salt
Optional Rich Version
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) Heavy cream, replacing an equal amount of milk
Optional Toppings
  • As desired Whipped cream, marshmallows, cocoa powder, or chocolate shavings

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Finely chop the chocolate into small, even pieces so it melts quickly and smoothly.
  2. Warm the milk, or the milk and cream if using, in a saucepan over medium-low heat for 5–8 minutes, until steaming but not boiling.
  3. Place the chopped chocolate, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and vanilla in a heatproof French press. For an especially smooth mixture, whisk the cocoa and sugar with a small amount of hot milk first.
  4. Pour in the hot milk and stir thoroughly with a long spoon or whisk until the chocolate is mostly melted and the cocoa is fully incorporated.
  5. Put the lid on the French press while leaving the plunger raised. Let the hot chocolate stand for 3–5 minutes so the chocolate can finish melting.
  6. Stir once more, then slowly press the plunger down. A gentle plunge strains out any remaining chocolate solids and helps create a lightly aerated texture.
  7. Pour the hot chocolate immediately into four mugs and finish with whipped cream, marshmallows, cocoa powder, or chocolate shavings.