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Polar Express Hot Chocolate

All aboard the nostalgia train as we embark on a delightful culinary journey inspired by the enchanting holiday classic, “The Polar Express.” Just as the movie rekindles the childlike wonder in all of us, this Polar Express Hot Chocolate recipe promises to warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for cozy family movie nights or festive gatherings, this creamy, rich hot chocolate is not just a drink, but a sip of joyful memories.

A Timeless Treat

Long before hot chocolate became a holiday staple, it was a cherished concoction dating back to the Mayans and Aztecs. Initially a frothy, bitter beverage, hot chocolate has transformed through the centuries, crossing oceans and cultures, to become the sweet, indulgent drink we adore today. Each cup carries with it a story of evolution, a tale as rich as its flavor.

A Journey of Belief and Hot Chocolate

“The Polar Express” isn’t just a movie; it’s a journey into the heart of Christmas spirit and belief. And what better way to accompany this journey than with a steaming mug of hot chocolate? This recipe captures the essence of the movie’s message: that magic is real for those who believe. And believe us, after one taste, you’ll believe in the magic of this hot chocolate.

Hot Chocolate vs. Hot Cocoa: A Delicious Debate

While often used interchangeably, hot chocolate and hot cocoa are distinct. Hot chocolate, made with chocolate chips melted into milk, is richer due to the cocoa butter’s presence. On the other hand, hot cocoa is made from powder mixed with milk or water, offering a lighter option. This Polar Express recipe is firmly in the hot chocolate camp, promising a full, luxurious experience.

A Recipe for All Ages

This Polar Express Hot Chocolate isn’t just for kids; it’s a decadent treat that adults can savor, too. With a blend of semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and a touch of vanilla, it’s a gourmet experience that transcends age. Indulge in the rich, velvety texture and let it transport you to childhood memories of winters past.

The Magic of the Ingredients

Creating the perfect cup of Polar Express Hot Chocolate is akin to conducting a symphony; every ingredient must come together in harmony to achieve a masterpiece. This recipe is meticulously crafted, ensuring that the individual characteristics of each component are highlighted and celebrated, resulting in a drink that’s more than the sum of its parts.

  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is the maestro of the recipe, setting the tempo with its rich, concentrated sweetness and creamy texture. Unlike regular milk, it has been reduced and sweetened, providing a velvety base that ensures every sip is as luxurious as the one before.
  • Semi-Sweet and Milk Chocolate Chips: The semi-sweet chocolate chips bring a robust cocoa flavor with just the right amount of bitterness to counter the sweetness of the condensed milk. Milk chocolate chips play a melodious counterpoint with their smooth, creamy taste, ensuring the hot chocolate appeals to a broader audience, pleasing both those who favor the intensity of dark chocolate and the gentle sweetness of milk chocolate.
  • Heavy Cream: Adding heavy cream introduces a rich, indulgent character to the hot chocolate. It’s like the deep, resonant bass in our symphony, providing a foundation upon which the other flavors can resonate. The cream amplifies the smoothness of the drink, allowing it to coat the palate pleasantly and linger after each sip.
  • Whole Milk: Whole milk is the supporting chorus, balancing out the strong personalities of the other ingredients. It’s essential for achieving the right consistency—rich enough to be indulgent but not so heavy as to be overwhelming. The milk also helps to distribute the heat evenly, ensuring that the chocolate chips melt into a smooth consistency without scalding.
  • Vanilla Extract: A tablespoon of vanilla acts as the final flourish, the high note that brightens the entire composition. It brings out the chocolatey depth and adds a hint of complexity that elevates the hot chocolate from a simple drink to a gourmet experience.

When heated together, the chocolate chips and heavy cream blend into a luscious mixture. The sweetened condensed milk adds body and sweetness, eliminating the need for additional sugar. The whole milk ensures the hot chocolate is drinkable rather than spoonable, while the vanilla extract infuses it with a fragrant aroma that beckons the senses.

This careful balance ensures every mugful is brimming with comfort and joy, reminiscent of the warm, cheerful spirit of “The Polar Express.”

Polar Express Hot Chocolate

Polar Express Hot Chocolate

Yield: 12 Cups
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Discover the magic of our Polar Express Hot Chocolate recipe, a creamy, rich blend perfect for family movie nights and holiday cheer.

Ingredients

  • 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 C semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 C milk chocolate chips
  • 1.5 C heavy cream
  • 6 C whole milk
  • 1 Tbsp vanilla

Instructions

  1. In a Dutch oven (or heavy bottom saucepan) combine sweetened
    condensed milk and chocolate chips over medium high heat. 
  2. Stir constantly until chocolate is completely smooth. 
  3. Add heavy cream, milk, and vanilla. 
  4. Whisk until fully combined. 
  5. Serve warm with added marshmallows or whip cream. 
  6. Enjoy!



Notes

This can be done in a crock pot.  Add all ingredients to crock pot and cook on
low 3-4 hours or high 1-2 hours before serving. 

Be sure to stir every hour.

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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 466Total Fat: 27gSaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 64mgSodium: 130mgCarbohydrates: 49gFiber: 1gSugar: 47gProtein: 10g

This nutrition information is automatically calculated and may not be entirely accurate. Please do your own research if you are overly concerned about specific macros.

Did you make this recipe?

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As you ladle out this heavenly Polar Express Hot Chocolate, topped with a swirl of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cocoa, you’re not just serving a drink. You’re creating a moment, a memory, and a tradition that will be cherished as much as the story that inspired it. So gather around, raise your mugs, and toast to the magic of the season, the joy of family, and the timeless pleasure of a cup of hot chocolate that tastes just like it came from the Polar Express itself.

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