Having the perfect hot chocolate recipe so you can enjoy a warm, comforting drink out in the garden is always a good idea. It works every time whether it's with friends and family for those all-important alfresco catch-ups, as a treat when you've been working outside, or as a way to stay toasty when you're star gazing or enjoying your Christmas light show in the evening.
A mug of spiced hot chocolate is just what you need to warm up on cold December days or nights. Gently seasoned with a touch of cinnamon this fragrant recipe adds a festive edge to an old favourite. This version is made with fresh orange zest, real chocolate and a touch of cinnamon for a silky drink that's just so delicious. To up your game, homemade biscuits for dipping and dunking are the perfect finishing touch.
Read on to find out how to make it. Once you've tasted our version of hot chocolate it will never be the same again. We've also got plenty more ways to cater for your alfresco get-togethers with our best BBQ recipes. After all, BBQs are just as good in winter as they are in summer!
- This recipe is taken from Ainsley's Mediterranean Cookbook (available at Amazon) by Ainsley Harriott (Ebury Publishing)
ORANGE & CINNAMON HOT CHOCOLATE WITH QUICK CINNAMON BISCUIT DIPPERS
Ingredients for the Orange and Cinnamon Hot Chocolate:
- 570ml whole milk
- 200g dark chocolate (minimum 60% cocoa solids), roughly chopped
- 1 tsp cornflour
- 1 tbsp cold milk
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- zest of 1 orange
- 1 1/2 tbsp sugar (optional, to taste)
- whipped cream and grated dark chocolate, to serve
Ingredients for the Quick Cinnamon Biscuit Dippers:
- 50g butter, plus extra for greasing
- 25g caster sugar
- 75g self-raising flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1⁄4 tsp ground cinnamon
- zest of 1/2 orange
- 2 tsp granulated sugar
Method:
1. Start with the biscuit dippers. Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4 and lightly grease a baking tray with butter.
2. Put the butter and sugar into a mixing bowl and cream together with a wooden spoon. Add the flour, cinnamon and orange zest and rub between your fingertips until everything starts to come together. When you can knead the mixture into a ball of dough, turn out onto a lightly floured work surface.
3. Divide into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a small sausage, about 1cm thick. Place on the prepared baking tray, spaced well apart, and sprinkle with the granulated sugar. Bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and leave to cool on the tray before serving.
4. Meanwhile, make the hot chocolate. Place the milk in a saucepan over a low heat and slowly bring to the boil. Remove from the heat, add the chocolate and stir until completely melted. Return to a low heat if necessary. In a small bowl, mix the cornflour with the milk.
5. Place the pan back over a low–medium heat and pour in two-thirds of the cornflour mixture, stirring continuously until the mixture begins to thicken. If it is still a little thin, add the rest of the cornflour mixture and stir well. Add the cinnamon and orange zest and stir to combine. Taste for sweetness and stir in a little sugar if required.
6. Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and serve topped with a little whipped cream and sprinkling of grated chocolate, with the biscuit dippers on the side.
More outdoor living ideas:
- Winter garden party ideas: fun ways to meet up outdoors
- The best pizza oven recipes: perfect for garden pizza nights
- The best BBQ: enjoy outdoor grilling all year round
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