Serves 2

For grown-ups only, this dreamy hot chocolate (made from real chocolate, cream and milk) features a sneaky dash of Brandy: the perfect way to end a lovely meal. (I added some mini marshmallows to keep it cute – but that is entirely optional…)


150g best-quality dark chocolate
100g extra-thick cream
250g whole milk
French Brandy
mini marshmallow, to garnish (optional)


Use a sharp knife to chop the dark chocolate into smaller pieces. Add the chocolate, cream and milk into a non-stick pan and allow to melt and mix over a very gentle heat on the stove top. Whisk to emulsify and combine the mixture.

It’s unlikely you will need to add any sugar as the dark chocolate and natural sweetness from the cream and milk will suffice. However, taste the hot chocolate to check that you are happy with the consistency and sweetness and adjust accordingly.

Once the mixture is hot enough to enjoy, remove the pan from the heat and stir in two tots of Brandy. Divide between your favourite mugs and top with mini marshmallows.