Best Barefoot Contessas Hot Chocolate Recipes

BAREFOOT CONTESSA'S HOT CHOCOLATE

Steps:

• Heat milk and half and half in a saucepan on medium heat to just below the simmering point.
• Remove the pan from the heat and add both types of chocolate.
• When they are melted, add the sugar, vanilla extract and espresso and whisk vigorously.
• Reheat gently and serve immedietly garnished with vanilla beans or cinnamon sticks.

HOLIDAY HOT CHOCOLATE

Steps:

• In a saucepan on medium heat, heat the milk and half-and-half to just below the simmering point. Remove the pan from the heat and add the white chocolate. When the chocolate is melted, add the vanilla, vanilla bean seeds, and 1/4 to 1/3 cup orange liqueur, according to taste, and whisk vigorously. Reheat very gently and serve.

DEEPLY CHOCOLATE GELATO

Steps:

• Heat the milk, cream, and 1/2 cup sugar in a 2-quart saucepan, until the sugar dissolves and the milk starts to simmer. Add the cocoa powder and chocolate and whisk until smooth. Pour into a heat-proof measuring cup.
• Place the egg yolks and the remaining 1/4 cup sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat on high speed for 3 to 5 minutes, until light yellow and very thick. With the mixer on low speed, slowly pour the hot chocolate mixture into the egg mixture. Pour the egg and chocolate mixture back into the 2-quart saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. A candy thermometer will register about 180 degrees F. Don't allow the mixture to boil!
• Pour the mixture through a sieve into a bowl and stir in the coffee liqueur, vanilla, and salt. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on top of the custard and chill completely.
• Pour the custard into the bowl of an ice cream maker and process according to the manufacturer's directions. Stir in the roughly chopped chocolate, if using, and freeze in covered containers. Allow the gelato to thaw slightly before serving.

BAREFOOT CONTESSA'S DOUBLE CHOCOLATE PUDDING

Steps:

• Beat the egg yolks and sugar until light yellow and thick in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, on medium-high speed.
• On low speed, add the cornstarch, cocoa powder, and salt.
• Bring the milk to a boil in a medium saucepan and, with the mixer on low, slowly pour the hot milk into the chocolate mixture.
• Combine well, then pour the mixture back into the pan.
• Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon, until thickened.
• If the mixture begins to curdle, remove it from the heat and beat it vigorously with a wire whisk.
• Remove the pan from the heat, add the chocolate, butter, vanilla, and heavy cream, and mix until the chocolate and butter are melted.
• Pour into serving bowls.
• Place plastic wrap directly on the top of the pudding (to prevent a skin on top of pudding), and chill thoroughly.