Masala Hot Chocolate

A traditional chai with a twist. A creamy blend of spices and dark chocolate turns into a perfect rich, velvety delicacy in one drink.

Ingredients:

1 bar of dark chocolate

1 cup of water

1-2 cups of milk (or heavy cream)

1/4 cup of sugar

2 marshmallows

2 tablespoons of cocoa powder

3 slices of raw ginger

5 cardamom pods

1 star anise

1 cinnamon stick

1 tablespoon of black peppercorn

3 teabags of black tea

Pinch of salt

Start by gathering your spices to make the chai. Grind the spices together in a mortar and pestle, This is crucial to the chai because it brings out all the flavor of the spices. In a large pot, add the spices and black tea. Add water and let simmer on medium heat. Once it comes to a boil, add in milk. Continue to let it simmer for about 10 minutes, once the milk starts to become foamy and frothy you can add in chopped chocolate, cocoa powder, salt, and sugar. Stir until everything is melted. Here I recommended adding a teaspoon of cornstarch to thicken the hot chocolate, but this is optional step. Top with toasted marshmallows.