I studied abroad when I was in middle school. I spent a month with a family in France. It’s what launched my love affair with all things French; the food, culture, the language and so much more! It’s also the first time I had chocolate chaud (hot chocolate) – aka – the real stuff! I’m telling you friends, Traditional French Hot Chocolate will change your life!
My host mom made chocolat chaud for me on a snowy, cold morning before we headed out on our walk to school (we did have to walk up hills both ways, too – j/k). It. Was. Amazing. And I’ve never felt the same about hot chocolate since! I seriously dream about it!
I wanted to put my own Christmas Twist on this decadent drink, so, I present to you: Traditional French Hot Chocolate with Homemade Peppermint Marshmallows.
The Peppermint in this was the perfect touch! You guys, making marshmallows is so easy! I went to the store to buy some and I was reading the ingredients on the back – there are a ton of things I can’t pronounce in store bought marshmallows. Not a good thing. So I made my own.
They’re so much better homemade! Lukas loves them, too! And this Hot Chocolate – I’m telling you, it’s divine! Yes it’s decadent but tis’ the season! It’s the ultimate cold weather treat.
I loved sharing this treat with Lukas! I try to be very conscious of his sugar intake but this is just something I had to bend the rules for! After all – it’s the french way. He loved helping me stir the hot chocolate, too. He kept saying “cook momma me”. Such a fun memory!
I think making Chocolat Chaud will have to be a new tradition for us every Christmas season. I can’t wait to actually take him to France one day so we can really indulge! Until then, this will do! And it is divine!
Traditional French Hot Chocolate with Homemade Peppermint Marshmallows
Using the double broiler method, melt the chocolate over medium to low heat and add the milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla extract.
Continually stir until the chocolate comes to a simmer (not boil). Do not let the chocolate burn.
Once the chocolate begins to simmer lightly, check the thickness. It should be thicker than American Hot Chocolate, but not as thick as chocolate fondue.
If it’s too thick, add a little bit more milk. Pour into a cup, top with whip cream, homemade marshmallows, edible lavender or chocolate shavings and serve immediately.
Marshmallows
Soak the gelatin in the 1/3 cup of cold water and set aside to thicken for 10-15 minutes.
In a large saucepan over low heat, dissolved the sugar in the 1.5 cups of water. Make sure you continually stir.
Add the thickened gelatin and stir until it’s completely dissolved.
Bring the temperature up until the mixture comes to a boil.
Boil steadily for about 10-15 minutes – do not stir during this time.
Remove from the heat and pour in a kitchen aid mixer or use a hand held mixer and continue beating while adding the vanilla. Continue beating until the mixture is thick and white.
Add the mixture into a greased 9×13 pan and let the marshmallows set for about 2 hours. Cut into any shape you’d like and roll in crushed candy canes before serving.
Hello, my name is Autumn, a working mom who has a passion for being in the kitchen. I love how food brings us together, shapes who we are and helps cultivate our identity. I hope you will follow along with me through my seasons of discovery in the kitchen and find a little inspiration of your own. Cheers! xoxo
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