Hot chocolate with Grand Marnier – a warm and cozy way to toast your inner soul with your loved ones, or while enjoying a nice book under a comfy blanket.
When I blog less, I have more to say!
My blog became a platform for me where I can convey my words to you and have a silent imaginary conversation. Now, if I speak them out loud, people might consider me to be super crazy (they do consider me crazy, not super yet).
As you already know, I am focusing more and more on photography this year. I want to take things a bit slower this year and enjoy my photography. However, many think I have no prospect in it and I am wasting my valuable time doing it. Yes, I might not end up getting anywhere. However, I do not want to repent when I am 60 that I did not try my best.
That being said, I am not ignoring my blog. I am working towards my recipe box, which is launching super soon. With this, you can have a sneak peak at my kitchen and know what I am eating this week. I might create a public Facebook album, where I will share the links of the recipes. Do you have any better ideas to promote?? If yes, please do share.
I am also thinking of incorporating my first usability test. By doing this, I can listen to you more. So, if you have been a silent reader, it’s time for you to speak up! I will post an advertisement campaign on my blog, Twitter and Facebook and I want you to participate. Once you’ve participated, I will choose 5 of you. I will grill you guys (not exhaustive though) and give you a Starbucks gift card.
So far, January has been both good and bad.
There is a dead body in our bedroom wall. It could be either a rodent or a human. So, every time the heat is getting turned on, a filthy foul smell is coming from our vent. It’s so strong that 7 scented candles and a few incense sticks couldn’t stop it. In this freezing temperature, we are sleeping without heat. Cooling and heating tower specialists are coming today and I just hope it gets fixed sometime super soon.
On a positive note, my husband has done some home renovation work and our apartment is looking very different. I can’t wait to show you guys how the apartment looks now. I am doing much better (health wise) with the new fitbit and the smart water bottle.
Okay, enough of the talk! Now I should really tell you guys about my new hot chocolate discovery. Last month, I was speaking with a very young co-worker of mine. He told me to mix some booze with hot chocolate. So, I added some orange flavor to my hot chocolate and mixed Grand Marnier with it. I am telling you folks, it’s one of the best hot chocolates we have ever had.
There is a real difference between hot cocoa and hot chocolate. When you mix homemade or store-bought cocoa with hot water/ milk – it becomes hot cocoa. However, when you simmer milk with delicious and decadent chocolate – it becomes hot chocolate. I recommend trying a good quality chocolate while making this hot chocolate. My favorite is Whole Food’s Dark Chocolate; I buy half a pound of this every month. However, you can use any chocolate bar you like.
Recipe for Boozy Hot Chocolate
- 2 cups (8oz) whole milk
- 3 oz of dark chocolate
- 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest
- 1 tablespoon grand marnier
For Serving
Instructions
- In a non-stick sauce pan, over a high heat, heat milk. When it starts boiling, lower the heat to medium low.
- Add chocolate. You can add more if you want it thick and you can add less if you want it less chocolaty.
- When the chocolate melts and gets mixed with the milk, add fresh orange zest and take it aside from the heat.
- Add Grand Marnier and pour it into the serving glasses. Top it off with whipped cream, marshmallows and caramel/chocolate sauce.
Your photography is already the best Dolphia .The boozy hot chocolate looks really tempting with the cream and marshmallows on top.
Hi Dolphia, first of all you don’t sound crazy at all…go for your dreams girl! Your pics are mesmerising. Infact it is a cold winter morning here in Delhi and I am totally tempted looking at the hot chocolate pictures. I am having an extra cuppa of coffee !!! Booze is not for me, but am surely going to try hot chocolate with real chocolates next time for my kids. Thanks for the post. And btw, hope your bedroom wall is cleared of the unwanted thing soon….keep us updated and stay safe!
Hey can we use rum(old monk) instead of grand marnier?
Yes Nidhi, you can!
Ughfff why is this Boston so far away! Boozy hot chocolate topped with caramel now that motivates me to say snow is ok. 🙂
Thanks Uma! Comment from you mean so much and keep me boosted up.
Thanks so much Sapana!
It’s so simple, make it soon Meena! 🙂
Will you believe I haven’t had hot chocolate until now!
But your pics are tempting me enough to try them soon.
Btw, you are so right, hot cocoa is not hot chocolate for me. And when I try making hot chocolate I will NEVER use cocoa powder! 😀
Right Jyo? People get so much confused with two names.
Hot Chocolate is absolutely sinful!!! We tried a mug of Hot Chocolate, while watching my son Ice Skate in WinterWonderland in Amsterdam… and yes I make light Hot cocoa literally everyday for the kiddos…
Send me some, I have a few books to finish and it cold (brr..) here. Your photography rocks Dol. Whoever said otherwise, please ignore them.
He must love it right Sandhya?
Thanks dear!
Oohh.. that mug of hot chocolate and that blanket is calling me Dolphia.. Love your new style in photography.
Thank you so much my dear Subhasmita
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Hey Dolphin, I think your blog is amazing and your photography is brilliant. I personally feel like your photos beautiful and there is so much depth in them. But any move towards betterment is always a good thing. Love the recipe too 🙂 <3
Sorry about the typo!! Stupid Auto Correct!! Dolphia **