Happy Pear Dark Hot Chocolate

As warm summer days drift slowly into crisp autumn nights, I can't help but think of my favorite warm drink: hot chocolate. In Ireland, it is cold and damp all the time. I repeat. ALL THE TIME. Which means, it is always time for hot chocolate! 

The chilling breeze slides off the ocean, penetrating my thick sweatshirt. I shiver in my boots, grasping my warm cup of the best hot chocolate in the world. Happy Pear Dark Hot Chocolate.

This adorable little orange abode serves up the most incredible, taste-bud-tantalizing, steaming cup of cocoa I have ever tasted. And I have had a lot of hot cocoa. Using the best of Belgium dark chocolate, their drink melts even the coldest hearts and warms me up on those brisk Irish days. 

Now that fall has arrived, I have determined to recreate their delicious treat in my own kitchen. Because I can't go running down the street for Happy Pear goodness anytime I want, I figured I might as well come up with my own concoction. And if I may say so, this might just be the best cup of cocoa I have had. Second only to the Happy Pear itself, of course. 

For now, I sit curled up in my favorite chair, sipping my chocolate and dreaming of those brisk Ireland days. For your own taste of the Happy Pear Dark Hot Chocolate, you don't have to hop a plane to Ireland. Instead, follow the recipe below and you will soon be dreaming of little red haired lassies, rolling green hills, and enough sheep for at least three bags full. 

Happy Pear Hot Chocolate: 

You Need: 

1 Mug 

A large handful of chocolate chips(semi-sweet to dark works the best) 

Enough milk to fill your mug 3/4

Enough water to fill the other 4th 

Whipped cream or marshmallows for topping 

1) Measure out 3/4 of your mug with milk. Dump the milk into a saucepan and slowly bring to boil.

2) Measure out your 4th of water. Pour into another saucepan or tea kettle, and bring to a boil. 

3) Pour enough chocolate chips into your mug to keep the chocolate lovers happy. 

4) When the milk is boiling, pour it into your mug and slowly stir with a spoon. All the chocolate chips should be melting, and the milk turning a rich color. 

5) Pour in the water to dilute the hot chocolate. 

6) After stirring thoroughly, taste test it. If it needs more chocolate, throw in some more! You can never have too many chocolate chips. 

7) Top with your favorite topping and enjoy! 

This recipe is a remake of the Happy Pear Dark Hot Chocolate. I cannot take full credit for it, instead, I credit the amazing brothers who introduced me to hot chocolate heaven! :)