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!