Let's make frrrozen hot chocolate

For this upcoming Independence Day, might I suggest that your celebration include a frosty glass of frozen hot chocolate?

That would be "Frrrozen hot chocolate" because this is the drink made famous  by Serendipity 3 in New York City.  It's been a while but I've been there a few times - waiting on those long lines - for this very concoction!  There have been times I've scratched my head wondering why we endured the wait.  But it all comes down to their frozen hot chocolate because I can barely remember what I actually ate there.  If you're a chocolate lover like I am, it is impossible to resist, and it's as good as it looks.  

At the restaurant, the frrrozen hot chocolate comes to you overflowing in a round, wide glass goblet.  Topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, a few straws are tucked into it because it's meant for sharing.  It might seem huge at first but you quickly realize you could easily down one of them all by yourself.

The recipe for Serendipity 3's frrozen hot chocolate has been around for years...maybe you've already made it yourself?  It was first published in their book in 2004.  But what can I say?  I didn't even get a blender until late last year!  But better late than never and I will likely be making up for lost time with many batches of frozen hot chocolate for years to come.  

So you might be wondering if this recipe is the real deal - the "same" drink as the signature one that arrives at your table at Serendipity 3.  Well...it's fantastically close if my memory serves me right (the last time I went there was probably 4 years ago; we have a picture the little one and I slurping away together).  But you know how it is...things tend to taste differently when someone else prepares it for you and there are bound to be some differences.  Maybe that's why my husband says the one I made was better than what he remembered having at Serendipity.  I am well aware that he would say that though!

There's more for refills...

And the recipe does leave room for interpretation that will inevitably make your frozen hot chocolate different from mine and the one at the restaurant.  It's the chocolate.  The recipe calls for a total of 3 ounces of your favorite chocolates (any mix) and does not disclose what blend or brand the restaurant uses.  So that, along with the kind of milk you use, will create different results.  I used a combination of milk, semi and bittersweet chocolates (just chocolates I like to eat) and 1% milk for my version.  All I can tell you is it made one delicious drink that's sure to satisfy the chocoholic!  

The recipe makes a lot - enough to generously serve 2 thirsty, chocolate-loving adults, or up to 3 or 4 more "normal" individuals.  I say it's perfect for 2!  I hope you give it a try!

Happy 4th of July!  


I have to say that my blender has turned out to be a major workhorse and an appliance I wish we'd gotten much sooner than last year (at year-end, Christmas, at that)!  Remember my "mock mocha frap"?  I have been making them religiously several times a week - no lie!  The combination of coffee, chocolate in icy cold form really hits the spot these days.  That's still my regular drink of choice but this frrrozen hot chocolate is a great treat for special occasions.

You might think it's too rich for the summer but it's really not - at least not for us.  I use 1 1/2 cups of 1% low-fat milk and with 3 cups of ice thrown in, the richness from those 3 ounces of chocolate really mellow out.  Yes, the whipped cream does add more richness but that's optional.

Start with the chocolate.  The recipe actually calls for "6 half-ounce pieces of your favorite chocolates".  Is it me or is that a little confusing?  Basically, you need 3 ounces of good chocolate that you'd like to eat; I suppose their wording implies it's good to use a variety (like they do) and to use high-quality chocolate you'd snack on.  I used a mix of chocolates - I have plenty of chocolate stashed around my house at all times so not a problem here!

The only other interesting thing that surprised me about the recipe was the 2 teaspoons of store-bought hot chocolate mix.  I suspect using hot chocolate mix instead of cocoa provides some kind of thickening but I'm not sure if I'm over thinking it.  

All you do is first melt the chocolate in a double boiler, then stir in the hot chocolate mix and 1 1/2 tablespoons of sugar.  Then, add 1/2 cup of the milk and mix together.  Stir to blend as much as possible but it's likely to be a bit grainy still if you're using a good amount of dark chocolate.  Since everything gets whirled in the blender, there's no need to worry about it.  

You can make the chocolate mixture in advance and leave it at room temperature.  To make the drink, just pour the mixture into the blender with another cup of milk and 3 cups of ice.  

Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.  Not absolutely necessary but oh-so-good and makes it just all the more special.

I love to eat chocolate but sometimes, it's really good to drink your chocolate too!


Recipe:

Serendipity 3's Frrozen Hot Chocolate
From epicurious

- Serves 2 very generously -

3 ounces of a variety of your favorite chocolates (I used milk and dark chocolates that I enjoy eating)
2 teaspoons store-bought hot chocolate mix
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 cups milk (I used 1% low-fat milk)
3 cups ice
For topping: whipped cream and chocolate shavings

Place chocolate pieces in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of just simmering water.  Stir together until just melted.  Add hot chocolate mix and sugar, stirring to combine.  Carefully remove bowl from the heat and gently stir in 1/2 cup of the milk.  Stir until as smooth as you can get it.  Set mixture aside to cool to room temperature.

To make drink, place the chocolate mixture, remaining cup of milk, and ice into the blender.  Blend on high (or according to manufacturer's instructions) until smooth.  Pour into large glass(es) and top with some whipped cream and chocolate shavings.  Pop some straws in it and take a long sip.  Enjoy!