Spiced Chai Hot Chocolate
Recipe: https://recipestripper.com/recipes/e1d124a7-aa78-4611-ac12-7ef409d712a8
Original source: https://www.asaucykitchen.com/chai-spiced-hot-chocolate/
Recipe image: https://www.asaucykitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Chai-Hot-Chocolate-2-720x720.jpg

Made with whole spices, real chocolate and your choice of milk (dairy or non dairy)!
Yield: 2 servings
Prep time: PT5M
Cook time: PT10M
Total time: PT15M

Ingredients
- 2 cinnamon sticks, 3-4 inch long or 1 cinnamon stick, 6 inches long
- 6 cardamom pods, smashed
- 4 whole cloves
- 1 whole star anise
- 1½ cups milk (360ml), dairy free or non dairy
- 1/2 cup water (120 ml)
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (14g)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, sliced
- 50 g chocolate, chopped - dairy free if needed (about 1/4 cup, chopped)
- 1 tbsp sweetener - optional (see notes)

Instructions
1. Add cinnamon sticks, cardamom, cloves and star anise to a small saucepan and warm over a medium-high heat for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add the remaining ingredients except for the chocolate and sweetener. Warm milk and bring to a gentle simmer (not a boil). Once simmering, turn off the heat and add the chopped chocolate. Stir until the chocolate has fully melted.
3. Taste and add sweetener if you think it needs it. Strain out the whole spices and divide between two mugs. Top with your favorite hot chocolate toppings like whipped cream, chocolate shavings and or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top and enjoy.