Here’s the thing about this time of year. It’s heartwarming, and exciting, and magical…and exhausting. Because let’s face it, we were a little busy even before we started having to make all those lists and check them twice, right? Don’t get me wrong – I like the holidays as much as the next girl. The holiday music that is on every channel. The cards, especially those photo cards that show friends and family in all their holiday merriment. ALL THE PEPPERMINT.
I love decorating the entire house within an inch of its life. Even those parts that don’t especially love being draped in jingle bells…I just can’t help it.
In addition to all this, my birthday is in the middle of December – and the day after my birthday is theSouthern daughter’s birthday. And the dog’s birthday. (Not kidding about that – it really IS the dog’s birthday.) And six days after that is my anniversary. From now to New Year’s Eve, it’s a merry, action-packed blur of wrapping paper and champagne…and I know you can relate, even without birthdays and anniversaries thrown into the mix. Which brings me to the reason (you knew I had a reason, right??) for this particular post. Sometime amid all the shopping and the wrapping and the baking and the tinsel, take a few minutes and make this for yourself. This is NOT your garden variety cup of hot chocolate. This is the kind of hot chocolate that someone who has been running around like Santa’s head elf deserves. It’s not made with powder, it’s made with milk and bittersweet chocolate and chai spices and brown sugar and fresh ginger. It’s topped with a sweet ginger cream that slowly melts into the chocolate. It’s an amazing, once a year holiday treat that has to be sipped slowly and with your eyes closed.
So give yourself a gift sometime in the next few weeks and make this. Turn your favorite holiday music on low, curl up in your favorite chair, and be quietly merry.
Chai Hot Chocolate
Prep Time: 10 minutes- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Category: Beverages
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Print Recipe
Pin RecipeIngredients
- 4 cups low-fat milk
- 3/4 cup bittersweet chocolate chips (I used Ghiradelli)
- 10 cardamom pods, coarsely cracked (and if you can’t find these, don’t give up! Just use a little cardamom powder, or some extra allspice)
- 1/2 teaspoon whole allspice, cracked
- 2 cinnamon sticks, broken in half
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 5 tablespoons (packed) golden brown sugar, divided
- 6 quarter-size slices fresh ginger plus 1/2 teaspoon grated peeled fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, divided
- 1/2 cup chilled whipping cream
Instructions
- Combine first 6 ingredients, 4 tablespoons brown sugar, and ginger slices in medium saucepan. Bring almost to simmer, whisking frequently. Remove from heat; cover and steep 10 minutes. Mix in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.
- Meanwhile, whisk cream, remaining 1 tablespoon brown sugar, grated ginger, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon vanilla in medium bowl to peaks. Add more sugar to taste if not sweet enough for your taste.
- Strain hot chocolate. Ladle into 6 mugs. Top each with dollop of ginger cream.
Adapted from Epicurious
Hi there! I’m Kate, and I’m a recipe writer, food photographer and devoted bacon lover. I started Framed Cooks in 2009, and my mission is to create and share family-friendly recipes that make cooking both easy and fun…yes, I said FUN! My kitchen is my happy place, and I want yours to be that place too. Let’s cook together!
I think we definitely all need to remember to take a few minutes and SLOW DOWN this holiday season. I know I do. This chai hot chocolate, with all of its warming spices, seems like the perfect way to do it!
that sounds delish! i'll have to try your recipe with a shot of espresso! xo
awwww! the photo of the dog is so cute!
Um, this sounds like heaven. And I feel ya on the busy month. My whole family, including me, will be turning a year older. It’s HECTIC!
Hectic is right! So you make sure to save a little time to have this cup of deliciousness, okay? :)
Lots of birthdays in December! This chai hot chocolate looks amazing, Kate! Chai and hot chocolate are two of my favorites, so I’m loving this combo! Cant’ wait to try this!
Two great tastes that taste great together! :)
Wao Kate it seems like a great calendar you have going on December! This chai chocolate is definitely something I would have to taste! Love your dog pic!
I know, it’s CRAZY! And thanks about the dog – I really only make her wear that collar for the picture and then I let her off the hook. :)
We definitely don’t need more on our to-do lists, Kate, but somehow the tasks keep piling on! I hope that when your birthday comes, you’re able to relax and just let go for a while. Probably having a cup of this in your hand will help. Looks great!
It will definitely help and that is definitely my plan. :)
Chai, my favorite! This sounds scrumptious.
I think we need to have a cup together, Linda! :)
YUM. i love chai spices! here’s hoping you’re able to separately enjoy and appreciate each occasion that pops up in december!
That is definitely my plan! Thanks Grace!
I could not agree more, the holidays are totally exhausting! I get exhausted months in advance just thinking about them! But dang, you have A LOT of birthdays and holidays in between! First of all, happy early birthday to all and happy early anny! My husband loves hot chocolate (I only don’t because I am allergic), and I KNOW he would love this chai hot chocolate! Such a great sip to enjoy and relax! Hope all is going okay with you! You have been in my thoughts and prayers! xoxo
Thank you my friend! I am going to cherish each and every moment, hectic or not! Hope all is okay with you too – I am sending so many prayers and hugs your way. xoxoxox
This looks so delicious! Thanks for the share!
I’m so glad you like it!