Let the Rain Sing You a Lullaby

It's raining - again. Second day in a row. We now have a lake in both the front and back yard. Sitting at the table you can hear the steady rain pattering on the skylight. It's such a soothing sound. This is also the second day into my break from school. I like to think that rainy days are the only qualifier needed for a day to be considered a lazy day. My ideal lazy day would entail: coffee, lots of it, a good book, a hearty meal, and baking. I also like to think that doing these said things qualifies as being productive. I finished reading "The Help" today. That's one more thing I can scratch off my to do list. Though I'm sad it doesn't continue; it was a wonderful read. 


Aside the rain, this is one of the rare cold days. Two days ago it was in the high 70's, but tonight it's in the high 40's. I can't help but crave hot chocolate when it gets cold outside. My mother gave me this recipe after she found it while reading one of her books. Tonight seemed like the perfect occasion to test out the recipe. It was nothing short of a cup full of joy. Never have I had hot chocolate that was so creamy and thick, It's a step under Italian hot chocolate in consistency.  The teaspoon of sugar was just enough sweet to balance the bitterness of the chocolate. I used an 80% semi-sweet chocolate. And you can't have hot chocolate without whipped cream. It's simply an injustice to even think of such a thing. I grated a bittersweet chocolate for the topping. This is the perfect cup of love to share with someone you care for. 


If you'll excuse me, but I'm going to sit down with a new book and my cup of chocolate and enjoy the rest of the rainy night.  

Celeste Madeline Chambeau Hot Chocolate
Serves: 2


2c whole milk
1tsp. white sugar
1/2tsp. vanilla extract
4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
Pinch of salt




Heat milk in a pot, stirring with a whisk. When steam starts to rise from the pot, whisk in sugar and vanilla. Slowly whisk in chocolate until it's fully melted then add the pinch of salt. Heat for five minutes on low, stirring frequently so milk doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot. Top with a dollop of whipped cream, marshmallows, or chocolate shavings.


I made a simple whipped cream with 1/4c heavy whipping cream and 2tbs superfine sugar. Whip the cream until frothy then add the sugar.