Lavender Hot Chocolate

The past few days have been quite breezy and a bit chilly on the farm. I think 50 degrees can be considered chilly, right? It's the kind of early spring weather that beckons for lavender hot chocolate- YUM!!

I found an excellent recipe online and wanted to share with our "farm friends. Please be careful to follow the lavender steeping time as quoted...too long a time can lead to a soapy tasting hot chocolate.

Ingredients (2 servings):

• 2 cups whole milk
• 3 ounces dark chocolate (70% cocoa)
• 1 ounce of milk chocolate
• 1/4 teaspoon of lavender buds

For the whipped cream:

• 1/2 cup cold heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 tablespoon granulated white sugar

Preparation:
To prepare the whipped cream, mix cold cream, vanilla and sugar in a cold bowl. Beat it with the help of a whisk or mixer until stiff peaks form. Keep it chilled in the refrigerator until serving.

For hot chocolate, heat milk with lavender in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and allowed to sit lavender for 5 minutes. Strain lavender and return the milk back into the saucepan. Over medium heat, add chocolate and mix until integrated and incorporated. Then beat the mixture for about 10-20 seconds until frothy.
Serve chocolate in a mug or small bowls with a dollop of whipped cream.


(recipe and pictures courtesy of- www.ohdesserts.net)