Epic Hot Chocolate

Once the excitement of Christmas and New Year is over it can be hard to beat the January blues but this is the perfect recipe to make you feel cheery again. 

I saw this recipe on Jamie's Christmas with Bells on (which I really want a book for) and it's perfect for warming you up on a dreary day.

What you'll need:

• 2 tablespoons Horlicks (or other malt drink)
• 2 tablespoons of cornflour
• 3 tablespoons of icing sugar
• 4 tablespoons quality cocoa
• 100g dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids), grated
• 1 pinch ground cinnamon, ginger or any other spice that takes your fancy
• 1 pinch sea salt

Plus enough milk for however many people you're making this for. 

Add these ingredients to a jar and give it a good shake to make sure its combined. At this point you can tie a ribbon round the jar and packaged with a nice mug and some marshmallows it makes a really great gift (If you are giving this as a gift make sure you include the instructions on the label). 

Measure out your milk in a mug - this is a foolproof way of making sure you have the right amount but remember s the milk boils it will reduce slightly. 

Pour the milk into a pan and bring almost to the boil over a medium heat. Don't be tempted to whack up the heat as this will just burn the milk. 

Add 3-4 teaspoons of your hot chocolate mix into the hot milk, give it a good whisk and leave to bubble away for a few minutes. 

Pour into mugs and enjoy! At this stage you can add squirty cream, grated chocolate, ground cinnamon - anything you fancy! 

I'm about to settle down with a cup and do a spot of online shopping. Perfect.

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Top Tip: The cornflour is what makes this hot chocolate deliciously thick. It's a great ingredient and definitely a cupboard staple. I use it all the time in curries and sauces when they haven't thickened properly or I've got bored.. Be careful though, be over zealous and you'll end up with a very unappetising jelly