Expert chef shares two slow cooker hot chocolate recipes as a polar blast is set to freeze over the UK…
Autumn is now well and truly here, but it seems that we might be getting a winter surprise sooner than we thought. Experts are predicting an Arctic polar blast to hit the UK next week, bringing freezing temperatures of –5 Celsius in some locations, along with the promise of frost, ice, and even snow.
There’s nothing better than a hot beverage to warm your hands after an icy commute home, so that’s why Sophie Nahmad from recipe box service Gousto is sharing two delicious slow cooker hot chocolate recipes to warm you through the upcoming polar blast.
“I’ve drawn on some delicious, warming flavours to develop a classic hot chocolate and a heavenly white chocolate chai recipe,” says Sophie. “The unique thing about these recipes is that they can be made in a slow cooker, which means you can pour yourself a mug as soon as you’re home and let the warmth envelop your body.”
“An extra beauty of a slow cooker hot chocolate is that it will make your house smell absolutely delicious. Whether it’s the warming blend of mellow white chocolate and spicy chai or a classically sweet chocolate scent, these recipes will provide you with nothing but comfort when the weather takes a turn,” adds the Lead Recipe Developer.
Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
“This creamy, silky recipe is guaranteed to warm you up, even throughout Arctic weather. Simply pop the ingredients in, then let the slow cooker work its delicious magic.”
Ingredients (serves 8)
· 2 tbsp cocoa
· 1l milk
· 397g sweetened condensed milk
· 200g dark chocolate, chopped
· 1 tsp vanilla extract
· ¼ tsp flaky sea salt
Method
Step 1: Mix together the cocoa with a splash of milk and combine until smooth.
Step 2: Pour the rest of the milk, and the condensed milk into your slow cooker and stir until combined. Add the cocoa slurry, chopped chocolate, vanilla and salt. Cover and cook on low for one hour.
Step 3: Remove the lid and whisk the hot chocolate until everything is smooth and combined. Cover and cook for a further hour.
Step 4: Stir the hot chocolate and cook for a final 15 minutes. Ladle into mugs, serve, and enjoy.
Chai White Hot Chocolate
“This spicy yet sweet combination mixed with gingery notes is the perfect drink to warm you through the icy polar blast.”
Ingredients (serves 4)
· 2 thin slices of fresh ginger
· 4 cardamom pods, crushed
· 1 cinnamon stick
· 2 Star anise
· 2 tsp ground nutmeg
· 550ml almond milk
· 100ml water
· 2 tbsp packed brown sugar
· 120g vegan white chocolate chips
Method
Step 1: Add the ginger, cardamon, cinnamon, star anise, water and 1 tsp nutmeg to your slow cooker.
Step 2: Once the water is bubbling, pour in the sugar and stir until it has dissolved.
Step 3: Turn the slow cooker down to a low setting and add the almond milk. Warm through for 5 – 10 minutes then add the chocolate chips and stir until melted.
Step 4: Serve with a sprinkle of ground nutmeg, and enjoy!