Warme Chocolademelk (Warm Chocolate Milk)

Warm beverages are a Dutch staple. Coffee, tea and hot chocolate are readily available, and enjoyed year-round. Since the Dutch like to be frugal, many people make their own hot chocolate at home. We’re going to tell you how to make this decadent drink for yourself. You can even add alcohol if you're looking for a dessert cocktail.

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup (100 grams) Dark Droste Pastilles
• 1 teaspoon Dutch process cocoa powder
• 1 1/4 cups (300 milliliters) whole milk (works well with Almond, Soy, or other milk alternatives too, just not as rich and creamy)
• 1 shot brandy, or rum, to taste, optional (maybe leave this out of the kiddie’s drink!)
• Granulated sugar, or sweetener to taste, optional
• Whipped cream, for garnish
• Cocoa powder, for dusting
• Ground cinnamon, for dusting, optional

Directions:

1. In a saucepan, melt the pastilles, cocoa and ¼ cup (60ml) of the milk, stirring with a wooden spoon.
2. While whisking, add the remaining cup of milk until mixture is very hot (not boiling) and foamy.
3. Add the brandy, rum (if using) and sweetener
4. Pour into a mug, top with whipped cream, dust with cocoa and cinnamon and enjoy!