New twists on hot chocolate

Love your hot chocolate? How about trying a unique twist this winter by stirring in a few spoons of peanut butter or pumpkin puree? Delicious!

Peanut butter hot chocolate

Serves 4

Peanut butter and hot chocolate might sound like an odd combination, but the saltiness of the peanut butter balances beautifully with the richness of the chocolate to create the perfect winter treat. Give this recipe a go and we guarantee you’ll be a convert!

Ingredients:

• 4 cups milk
• 1 cup chocolate
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter

Directions:

1. Pour the milk (go skim if you’re trying to lessen the blow or full fat if it’s all about a winter indulgence) into a pan on medium-low heat.
2. If you’re using a block of chocolate, break it up into individual squares, or if you have chocolate buttons, throw them straight into the pan. Stir the milk and chocolate until melted and smooth.
3. Add the peanut butter and the brown sugar, and stir until fully dissolved.
4. Pour the peanut butter hot chocolate mixture into individual mugs and devour immediately.

Spiced pumpkin hot chocolate

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chocolate
• 4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 4 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1/4 cup cream
• Extra cinnamon, to serve

Directions: 

1. Break the chocolate into squares, then place with the milk in a saucepan on medium-low heat. Stir until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
2. Add the pumpkin puree, spices and two tablespoons of the maple syrup and keep stirring until the mixture is combined.
3. Turn up the heat a little and warm the hot chocolate mixture until it’s hot, but not boiling.
4. Meanwhile, beat the cream and the remaining two tablespoons of maple syrup until soft peaks form.
5. Pour the hot chocolate mixture into four individual mugs and top with generous dollops of cream. Sprinkle with a little cinnamon to serve.
6. Drink immediately!

Mint hot chocolate

Serves 4 

The combination of mint and chocolate is a delicious treat best shared with friends or family!

Ingredients:

• 4 cups milk
• 1/3 teaspoon peppermint essence
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup sugar
• Thickened cream

Directions:

1. Place the milk, peppermint essence, cocoa powder and sugar in a pan and warm on medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Whip the cream.
3. Fill four mugs with the mint hot chocolate, then top with generous dollops of whipped cream.

More for a chocoholic

Favourite chocolate recipes
Try this mouth-watering S’mores ice-cream pie recipe
Winter fondues for dinner and dessert