With the growing popularity of gourmet chocolate, hot chocolate has become an indulgent dessert enjoyed by connoisseurs and served in trendy coffeehouses and upscale restaurants. Fans of this hot beverage are swapping their sugary powder mixes for the sensual pleasures of a more authentic experience—one that is easy to make at home. In Hot Chocolate , Fred Thompson offers 50 tantalizing recipes for hot chocolate made from high-quality milk, dark, or white chocolate; whole milk, skim milk, cream, water, or milk alternatives; and a variety of mouthwatering flavorings, such as peppermint, orange, cinnamon, coffee, liqueurs, peanut butter, raspberry—even chai tea. With a stylish 4-color design and gorgeous photographs, this book also provides a fascinating history of hot chocolate, tips on which types of chocolate to use and how to garnish the drinks, and recipes for homemade marshmallows and whipped cream.