{"id":"hot_chocolate_43f84aaa71","slug":"classic-homemade-hot-chocolate","title":"Classic Homemade Hot Chocolate","description":"A rich, creamy, and decadent homemade hot chocolate made with high-quality cocoa powder and real chocolate pieces for the ultimate comforting drink.","serves":2,"time":{"prepMinutes":2,"cookMinutes":8,"totalMinutes":10,"activeMinutes":10},"ingredients":[{"id":"ingredient-1","original":"2 cups whole milk","name":"Milk","quantity":480,"unit":"ml","usQuantity":2,"usUnit":"cup","form":"liquid","notes":"whole milk preferred","group":"base","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-2","original":"2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder","name":"Cocoa","quantity":15,"unit":"g","usQuantity":2,"usUnit":"tbsp","form":"powder","notes":"unsweetened","group":"base","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-3","original":"2 tablespoons granulated sugar","name":"Granulated Sugar","quantity":25,"unit":"g","usQuantity":2,"usUnit":"tbsp","form":"granulated","notes":"adjust to taste","group":"base","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-4","original":"1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate","name":"Chocolate","quantity":45,"unit":"g","usQuantity":0.25,"usUnit":"cup","form":"chips or chopped","notes":"semi-sweet","group":"base","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-5","original":"1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract","name":"Vanilla Extract","quantity":2.5,"unit":"ml","usQuantity":0.5,"usUnit":"tsp","form":"liquid","notes":"","group":"seasoning","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-6","original":"A pinch of salt","name":"Salt","quantity":0.5,"unit":"g","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"pinch","form":"fine","notes":"","group":"seasoning","optional":false}],"instructions":[{"id":"instruction-1","text":"In a small saucepan, combine the milk, cocoa powder, and sugar. Whisk together over medium heat.","group":"Cooking","title":"Combine the milk, cocoa powder, and sugar","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Cooking"},{"id":"instruction-2","text":"Heat until the mixture is hot and simmering, but do not let it come to a boil. Whisk frequently to break up any cocoa clumps.","group":"Cooking","title":"Heat until the mixture is hot and simmering, but do not let it come","timerMinutes":5,"sourceTitle":"Cooking"},{"id":"instruction-3","text":"Add the chocolate chips (45g / 1.7 oz) and continue to whisk until the chocolate is completely melted and the drink is smooth.","group":"Cooking","title":"Add the chocolate chips and continue","timerMinutes":2,"sourceTitle":"Cooking"},{"id":"instruction-4","text":"Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.","group":"Finishing","title":"Remove the saucepan from the heat","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Finishing"},{"id":"instruction-5","text":"Pour into mugs and serve immediately. Top with marshmallows or whipped cream if desired.","group":"Serving","title":"Pour into mugs and serve immediately","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Serving"}],"notes":"For a richer flavor, use whole milk. If you prefer a darker taste, use bittersweet chocolate (70% cocoa). Always whisk constantly to ensure the cocoa powder fully dissolves and the chocolate doesn't scorch.","cuisine":{"group":"American","specific":["American"]},"course":["drink"],"cookingMethod":["simmer"],"equipment":["saucepan","whisk","measuring cups","measuring spoons"],"diet":["vegetarian","gluten_free"],"allergens":["milk"],"difficulty":"easy","yield":{"amount":2,"unit":"cups","note":"Approximately 500ml total"},"makeAhead":{"instructions":"You can mix the dry ingredients together in advance. The liquid drink is best served fresh."},"storage":{"food":{"instructions":"Store leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container in the refrigerator.","reheatingNotes":"Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally."}},"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fhot_chocolate_43f84aaa71%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=46cfde21-778f-42d7-a787-bfbc3c37d17d","imageAlt":"Classic Homemade Hot Chocolate — recipe cover","aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","sourceUrl":"","tags":["hot chocolate","cocoa","warm drink","chocolate","cozy","winter"],"schemaVersion":1,"sourceTitle":"Classic Homemade Hot Chocolate","sourcePublishedAt":"2026-02-03T19:55:36.285Z","sourceUpdatedAt":"2026-02-03T19:55:36.285Z","related":[{"id":"arnold_palmer_fc503e3b13","slug":"arnold-palmer","title":"Arnold Palmer","description":"A refreshing classic American beverage consisting of a non-alcoholic blend of iced tea and lemonade, named after the legendary professional golfer.","serves":2,"time":{"prepMinutes":5,"cookMinutes":5,"totalMinutes":10,"activeMinutes":10},"cuisine":{"group":"American","specific":["American"]},"course":["drink"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegan","vegetarian","gluten_free","dairy_free","nut_free","egg_free","soy_free"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Farnold_palmer_fc503e3b13%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=4b49f556-c573-4e5b-afc3-1ab02f7bb34a","imageAlt":"Arnold Palmer — recipe cover","tags":["drink","iced tea","lemonade","refreshing","summer drink","alcohol free"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":5,"stepCount":5},{"id":"lemonade_e218aa4991","slug":"classic-fresh-lemonade","title":"Classic Fresh Lemonade","description":"A refreshing and perfectly balanced American classic made with freshly squeezed lemons and a simple syrup for a smooth, crisp finish.","serves":6,"time":{"prepMinutes":10,"cookMinutes":5,"totalMinutes":15,"activeMinutes":15},"cuisine":{"group":"American","specific":["American"]},"course":["drink"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegan","vegetarian","gluten_free","dairy_free","nut_free"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Flemonade_e218aa4991%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=2f25db9b-4b93-4cc5-9310-391dad6936c9","imageAlt":"Classic Fresh Lemonade — recipe cover","tags":["lemonade","refreshing","summer drink","citrus","party drink"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":5,"stepCount":5},{"id":"root_beer_float_235bd4e0f8","slug":"classic-root-beer-float","title":"Classic Root Beer Float","description":"A nostalgic American fountain favorite featuring creamy vanilla ice cream submerged in bubbly, spiced root beer for a frothy, indulgent treat.","serves":1,"time":{"prepMinutes":5,"cookMinutes":0,"totalMinutes":5,"activeMinutes":5},"cuisine":{"group":"American","specific":["American Soda Fountain"]},"course":["dessert","drink"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegetarian","egg_free","gluten_free"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Froot_beer_float_235bd4e0f8%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=963067c8-fdbe-4227-8d5b-d76744b4c2bd","imageAlt":"Classic Root Beer Float — recipe cover","tags":["root beer","float","ice cream","sweet","cold","nostalgic","fountain drink"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":4,"stepCount":5}]}