I made three, super indulgent hot chocolate drinks for The Party this week, and I’ve had a few requests for recipes. You can substitute your preferred type and brand of chocolate in any of these, the recipes are very accommodating. All these recipes will keep for several days in the fridge and can be gently reheated. If you leave in the spices until ready to serve, the flavour will continue to develop.
Persian Style:
Mild and sweet. 

250g White Cadbury Melts
1 cup full cream milk
8 cardamom pods
2 Tablespoons of rose water OR 1teaspoon of rose extract

1. Pour the milk, cardamom pods, and rose into a saucepan and heat gently. Do not allow to boil. Steep the flavours in the hot milk for at least 30 minutes.
2. Turn off the heat, add the chocolate and stir until combined.
3. Taste test. Add ground cardamom or extra rose water if desired.
4. Remove the pods and serve hot in shot glasses or over desserts as a hot sauce.

Warming:
Perfect on cold nights.

250g Milk Cadbury Melts
1 cup full cream milk
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (to taste)

1. Pour the milk into a saucepan and gently heat until hot but not boiling.
2. Turn off the heat and add the chocolate melts and cayenne pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Taste test and add more cayenne if needed. I like a gentle tingle at the back of the throat in the aftertaste, but no actual peppery taste to the chocolate.
4. Serve hot.

Spiced Chocolate:
Complex and delicious.

250g Dark Cadbury Melts
1 cup full cream milk
3 strips of fresh orange peel
1 cinnamon stick
1 Tablespoon of honey (I used Blue Gum, very strong flavour)
1 teaspoon of quality vanilla essence
1/4 teaspoon of ginger powder
pinch of chili powder

1. Pour the milk into a saucepan with the spices, essence, and honey. Gently heat until hot but not boiling. Allow to steep for at least 1/2 hour.
2. Turn off the heat, add in the chocolate and stir to combine.
3. Taste test. Adjust flavours to your preference.
4. Serve hot.

If you prefer a big mug to a little shot glass for your hot chocolate, you can increase the quantity of milk in these recipes. Up to 1 litre of milk to 250g of chocolate is still very rich and delicious. Alternatively, make up the original recipe, then stir a healthy dollop into a mug of hot milk for those guests who prefer mugs.