Bengali Mama's Drinking Chocolate

December has arrived in full throttle and we find ourselves here in Oxford, greatly anticipating spending the Christmas season here. We have already made it to a late night carol service, attended the Lighting of the City and watched a parade dance its way down the middle of High street, all so so fun to watch and participate in!


We have our own family traditions that we have continued to partake in since being married [over 8 years ago], and introducing more since having children [over 6 years ago.] We love reading the Best Christmas Pageant ever, [Nathan cries every time] watching a plethora of Christmas movies, snacking on puppy chow, caramel corn, and sipping on home made hot chocolate. There's just something about it that causes us to slow down as a family, cram ourselves in for the night, and celebrate together. 

i wanted to share my stove top hot chocolate, or drinking chocolate as i secretly call it, because this is a very rich, decadent recipe, certainly not for every day, but for sure for Christmas cheer! Our kids love it and i love how excited they get when they find out i am making it. Benjamin said it is "the best hot chocolate ever, mom." I am so glad he approves. ;)

I don't usually use precise measurements when making this, it really is a taste-as-you-go kind of deal and you can adjust it to your taste buds.  Feel free to omit or add as you see fit, this is just how we like it..not for the faint of heart. 

It is silky and creamy, taking a few pulses with the immersion blender really takes it over the top, adding that frothy, bubbly layer you love to see resting on the top as you sip. 

here is my [guesstimate] recipe:

In a small pot, place on low-medium heat on stove. 

pour in about 1/2 of a can of sweetened condensed milk. 

add about 1/4-1/2  cup of semi sweet chocolate chips. 

begin to stir. 

add 1 heaping tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder, 

stir continually with a spoon and mix into a thick, smooth paste. 

Gradually pour in about 2 cups of whole milk. 

stir, stir, stir, taking care not to burn milk or chocolate. 

incorporate everything as it grows in smoother consistency. 

taste and stir. add more milk if you want to tone in down a bit, 
or add more sweetened condensed milk..

lastly, top with about 1/4-1/2 cup heavy whipping cream. 

Use immersion blender to blend and froth and give it a dynamite mix. 

remove from heat and pour carefully into 4 small mugs or tea cups. 

serve and enjoy.