DIY: Homemade Hot Chocolate Shells (or spoons!)

Happy October 1st! Now we're officially into 'cozy up' weather, I thought I would share my favourite hot chocolate recipe so we can all get involved in the spirit of autumn. I'm a big fan of cinnamon which really makes this drink taste super festive and delicious, but I'm going to warn you right now - there is a fair whack of sugar in here and it's pretty addictive, so consume in moderation :B 

This is a really quick and easy recipe and it makes the perfect treat through the colder months. If you dress it up in a cute box they make great gifts too!

All you need is:

200g dark chocolate (I don't usually use the 70% coco stuff as it's quite expensive so don't fret!)

40g coco powder

100g dark brown muscovado sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

To make it, break up the chocolate and melt it in a bain marie (in a bowl over boiling water) or in the microwave. 

Take it off the heat and sift the sugar, cinnamon and coco powder into the chocolate. Gently stir and combine. It's going to be a little stiff and lumpy, but that's a good thing!

Whilst the mixture is still warm, spoon it out into a madeleine silicone mould to get shell shapes like mine. You could also use a muffin tin or ice cube tray if you don't have one of these. The mixture is going to solidify, so you could make 'hot chocolate spoons' by taking spoonfuls of the mixture and letting them cool like that. Or you could even stick lollypop sticks in them when they're cooling so you can use them as a stirrer when you're making your hot chocolate :) It's diverse .... and addictive!

Once you've spread the mixture evenly, it's fun to add a few little extras like little marshmallows or sprinkles. I'm a bit in love with these edible stars at the moment - they are going on everything!

After that's done all you need to do is wait. The mixture will take a couple of hours to set, but I promise you it is worth it!

Once your little hot chocolate shells are hard, they're ready to be enjoyed :D
It's best to heat up milk in a little pan on the stove till it's just starting to simmer. Pop one of these in your favourite mugs and pour the milk on top. Give it a stir and watch the milk go chocolatey!
Now all you need to do is grab a blanket, put your feet up and stick on your favourite movie. Bliss!
As for the rest, keep them in an air tight container in the fridge and you can take them out when you need them. Perfect.

Enjoy lovelies
xox