Classic Dutch Hot Chocolate Recipe

In the netherlands, ordering a cup of steaming hot chocolate is just as easy as getting coffee or tea. While the drink is most popular as a fall and winter treat, hot cocoa with whipped cream is certainly enjoyed on rainy days year-round. Because there's nothing like hot chocolate made with good quality dark chocolate and whole milk topped with real whipped cream, the dutch like to make their own from scratch. They always use the finest dark chocolate chips but also add a teaspoon of dutch process cocoa for extra oomph. Classic dutch cocoa comes with a generous dollop of whipped cream on top, dusted with cocoa or cinnamon (they prefer the latter) and sometimes a bit of brandy or rum for the adults. They don't usually sweeten the cream but sometimes add a flavoring such as vanilla extract or almond essence.