The Starbucks I walk past every day has just started serving salted caramel hot chocolates.
Chocolate.
Caramel.
Salt.
This had to be good. I raced in, unfurled myself from my layers of knitwear and asked for the biggest one they had.
I snuggled down into their squishiest sofa and readied myself for warm chocolaty nirvana....
What I found was... eh... alright, I guess.
It just seemed to lack any oomf and was all together too sweet and synthetic.
The idea however is a pretty great one.
Anyway, anything Starbucks can do, we can do better.
Anyway, anything Starbucks can do, we can do better.
This is my own secret little recipe for the most sumptuously decadent hot chocolate of all time.
If you need a little help getting through Autumn, this tall frothy mug-a-love is just what the doctor ordered.
2 large hot chocolates:
Salted caramel sauce:
1 cup Golden caster sugar
1/4 cup water
1 tsp treacle (molasses) - Lyle's is best if you can get it
1 knob of butter (about the size of your thumb)
2 tbsp double (heavy) cream
Big pinch of flakey sea salt
Heat your sugar and water in a pan. Keep stirring and watch closely until you're left with a dark golden brown, clear syrup. This should take over 10mins, so don't freak out if it takes a while. Add your teaspoon of treacle/molasses and continue to stir until you're left with a glorious dark nectar. Add the salt. Turn the heat right down and stir in your butter, followed by your cream.
Put to one side, or pop into a jar if you're going to keep it until later.
Hot chocolate:
50g good quality dark chocolate
50g milk chocolate
1pint milk (I'm a soy girl, but you can use dairy if you prefer)
Whipped cream (optional)
Blitz your chocolate in a food processor until you're left with a fine, soft, chocolate gravel. Pop into a jug and put to one side.
Heat your milk. Just before it begins to boil, pour into your chocolate jug and stir until totally melted.
Pour a few glugs of caramel into the bottom of your mugs, pour in your hot chocolate, top with cream and drizzle with extra caramel.
Light a few candles and snuggle down with someone delicious.
The mug is an homage to Starbs, seeing as technically they gave me the idea.
Don't you feel warmer already?
.
This was probably the best hot chocolate I have EVER had! Thank you!
ReplyDeletexxx
I was going to try that in Starbucks, guess I've found a better one, thanks Rosie. Why don't you drink dairy?
ReplyDeleteAwesome recipe! Next time you go to the 'bucks, try the caramel apple spice with a shot of steamed soymilk, it's amazing:)
ReplyDeleteYum, your hot chocolate recipes sound delcious. I found the Starbucks Salted Caramel one too sweet and synthetic too, but I do love the Pumpkin Spice Latté :)
ReplyDeleteDelicious as always !
ReplyDeleteok I'm salivating!
ReplyDeletehaha, love the attitude "if starbucks can do it, I can do better! " GO girl! :))
ReplyDeleteit is always so nice to read your blog, just because you go about enjoying life, having fun and not giving too much damn about what other people think. more people should think like that, we are young only once and you don't want to spend your old years thinking what if i had done this/gone there... i am pretty sure that you have bad moments too and your life is not perfect, but you don't feel the need to publicise those, instead you choose to talk about things that make you happy and inspire other people to be happy too. keep it coming:)
Mysigt höstfika as we say in Sweden! :) Looks absolutely gorgeous. Was wondering if you had any advice on how to get out of a food rut? (you know when you're eating the same boring dishes all the time).. I love your recipes but these days it everything seems too daunting to attempt. Any quick easy ideas would be much appreciated! x Louise
ReplyDeletep.s one day will you think about writing a post on your kitchen must-have items? (tools and things to always have in the cupboard) I'm trying to get better at cooking....
OH YUM! Treats for my next girldate with the bestie, sorted. Thank you, Rose!
ReplyDeleteI am completely and utterly obsessed with hot chocolate. So this screen-licking recipe is just what I needed!! X
ReplyDeleteI tried the salted caramel frap from Starbuck's and was so disappointed. For me, there wasn't enough contrast in flavors. This recipe sounds delicious and I plan to sprinkle some salt on the whipped cream!
ReplyDeleteAhhh yummy. My mouth is drooling. Looks incredible!!
ReplyDeleteXx
http://kendra-genevieve-rose.blogspot.com
That looks amazing! Perfect for the weather, and very simple to make. Also, I don't have to spend too much money on Starbucks. Thank you!
ReplyDeletehttp://collegiatelifestyle.wordpress.com/
I'm surprised they just started serving this drink across the pond - they've had it in the states for years! It's good, but no doubt the homemade touch always adds an oomph of quality. Ditto to whoever said try the caramel apple spice! It's divine....
ReplyDeleteAs always, delicious! xx
ReplyDeletethemusingsofateenagemind.blogspot.co.uk/
This looks delicious and if only I can actually consume it. I'm allergic to soy and lactose intolerant. But I'm sure I can substitute with rice, hemp, or goat milk. Whenever I make things with dairy I have to sit and watch my family and friends indulge. But when I make something sweet and fattening dairy free I go all for it. I'm a never guilty girl when it comes to delicious food. Great post!
ReplyDeleteMmm this sounds amazing!
ReplyDeleteRose PLEASE could you show us around your flat?? I'm DYING to see it!!! xxxx
ReplyDeleteI second that!!
DeleteI third that, would love to see how you have styled it out Rose! Eleanor x
DeleteOoooow well remembered, yes please show us Rosie...
DeleteThis hot choc looks great, you little genious!
Mills
x
Sorry guys, probably not going to do this.
DeleteNice to keep a little something for myself ;)
xxx
That looks and sounds amazing! x
ReplyDeleteNo need to spend a fortune in Starbucks on something that isn't all that when you can make something truly delicious at home then! My oh my, this looks too good to be true and too good not to attempt myself. Thanks for being a genius and sharing this fab recipe, I'll let you know how my own version goes!
ReplyDeleteLucy xxx
Yum!! Anything with salty & sweet I adore!
ReplyDeleteThis looks FANTASTIC! Can't wait to try!
ReplyDeleteAs soon as I've read the title of your post I knew I have to try this. i'm hosting a Brunch this Sunday and i'm sooooo going to prepare this recipe. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteMmmmm looks good! I hate all the Starbucks 'novelty' drinks as they all taste so chemically :( this is a goodlookin alternative! - one question though, are you supposed to stir the water and sugar? I was led to believe this crystallizes the sugar and the caramel will go lumpy? or do you have a secret tip? xx
ReplyDeleteThis looks fantastic. I tend to steer clear of Starbucks so I'm glad to know that it's not too tricky to make something like this at home. Though I may have to wait until I'm back on home soil with a fully stocked kitchen before I attempt it :)
ReplyDeleteI think the Starbucks ones are GORGEOUS! But I'll definitely be giving yours ago, hopefully it will be a lot cheaper!
ReplyDeletethoughtsfromanothergirl.blogspot.com
Decadent is certainly the word for it... but it looks sooo delicious! :)
ReplyDeletexo Andrea
Wonderful and Marvelous
I just love caramel in hot chocolate there is nothing better. Will have to give this one a whirl.
ReplyDeleteKatie
www.totallytates.com
This looks amazing! I can't wait to try it out - I'd much rather make my own than pay Starbucks prices :)
ReplyDeleteOh yum!
ReplyDeleteI think it depends on what Starbucks you go to...the first one I had in Camden was amazing, but the one at Canary Wharf was lacking. I'm too lazy to make this on my own, so Starbucks will have to do for me!
ReplyDelete'Anyway, anything Starbucks can do, we can do better. '
ReplyDeleteI love that, it's true!
Oh my gosh, this looks absolutely amazing! I love salted carmel anything!
ReplyDeleteThe Purse Snatcher
That looks delcious! I was so happy when Starbucks opened its first shop in Amsterdam :-). With love, Anne
ReplyDeleteWow, this looks so indulgent! But it's so so naughty!
ReplyDeleteGem x
http://www.gemmameansjewel.com
Will SO try this!!
ReplyDeletehttp://hand-of-fatima.tumblr.com/
it looks deliciously decadent!
ReplyDeleteI have a 1st date tomorrow (I guess now it’s today) and I’m super stressed, I hate 1st dates…
I still haven’t figured out what to wear! I was searching for inspiration on your lovely blog :)
Which me luck!
oo i've never come across a recipe for salted caramel hot choc, awesome! i agree, starbucks often sounds nicer than it actually is, it tastes pretty sugary & synthetic..
ReplyDeleteKatie x
If and when you are back in Starbucks, just ask for the regular hot chocolate with the caramel and salt on top. it tastes A LOT better. The hazelnut syrup they put in the hot chocolate when you order it as a salted caramel one makes it taste fake!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds great! Any suggestions to what liquor would be best mixed with this?
ReplyDeleteI will be making this and your gingerbread popcorn tomorrow. You are a cozy day GENIUS. (And I desperately want your hair)
ReplyDeleteyou are totally the most awesome person EVER!
ReplyDeletelove it! random question, are you still friends with hernrietta?
ReplyDeletesalted caramel hot chocolate.. u wicked wicked woman!!
ReplyDelete"...anything Starbucks can do, we can do better." - sing it, sister! This put a smile on my face today. My best friend and I plan to take on this recipe when she comes to visit next month!
ReplyDeleteI'd love it if you could do a post talking a little bit about how you came to your current career. I've just started working in social media (straight out of college) and I'd love some advice for how to build new skills and clientele.
This looks pretty tempting. Will try this sometime soon!
ReplyDeleteFeeling warmer and fatter already ;)
ReplyDelete♥ ThankFifi
I love your blog! As I have been following you for a quite a while you were my inspirtation to start my own one.
ReplyDeleteI just set up mine yesterday and would to have your opinion on it, as you managed to create such a wonderful piece of work!!!
http://anomadicdiary.blogspot.co.uk/
Omg looks unbelievable! Potentially by winter drink!
ReplyDeleteKelly
XX
This looks delicious!! I was so tempted to try the salted caramel hot chocolate in Starbucks, but now I'm not so sure! Don't think it could compare to yours! x
ReplyDeletewww.rachelcragg.com
The guys at work will love this!! Looks delishhhh
ReplyDeletehttp://blog.oliveclothing.com/
This looks AMAZING!
ReplyDeleteI love hot chocolate and this looks so so decadent... I must try it soon. I'm waiting for the autumn weather to kick in, 'cause right now it's still pretty warm where I live
ReplyDeleteI'm going to share this with some friends. It looks so delightful.
ReplyDeleteAhh Rose, I love your blog so much! I like the little slice of life :D
ReplyDeleteOh. My. Word. This looks absolutely immense! I tried the salted caramel mocha and found it a bit blah - can't wait to whip this one up at home. Don't have a food blender so will take me a little longer to crush the chocolate up, but it'll be so worth it!
ReplyDeleteHaha, I absolutely agree. Anything Starbucks does, we can do better.
ReplyDeletethis looks amazing so much better than a starbicks one. i am always disappointed by their hot chocolates, you are right they just taste synthetic.
ReplyDeletei am off to see if i have all the ingredients needed for this, if i don't i am going to be so disappointed.
We just had our first rain in San Francisco and this looks perfect for the fall weather! Thanks a million!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that I'm not the only one that found the Sbux version to be lacking and kind of 'meh' overall. You're version looks fantastic and for the taste, worth the extra calories.
ReplyDeleteAs soon as I have a kitchen, (living in dorms right now) I will be making this! yum! although my favorite Starbucks drink is the pumpkin spice... care to give it a go!?
ReplyDeleteNEED TO TRY THIS. I am also not a huge fan of the Starbucks version, but I love salted caramel! x
ReplyDeletehttp://girlinthelens.com/
Rosie, I think you should go traveling.
ReplyDeleteInto the wild, discover the unknown, follow your heart.
Take a leap of faith. x
Oh good lord.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds utterly amazing.
Thank you !
So excited they have this here, I am from the States and enjoyed those all last winter. They had the packets of mix for sale in our grocery back there so I wonder if they will have them here. I love your blog and think you are amazing! Thank you for the inspiration you give me and others. I have planned many date nights with my husband from places you have blogged about. I always leave either hungry or ready to go on holiday xx
ReplyDeleteAnne : )
Amazing is the word! x
ReplyDeleteHi Rosie, I wondered if you could help me being the ultimate Londoner and all! I have recently been offered a job in London and I'm planning the move down after Christmas. I'm just so clueless as to where to live! I'm looking at areas and I just feel at a loss, I have no idea where to go and what places are like. I'm looking for a 2 bed apartment/house and I'm not bothered about being in the centre of London - I'm looking at Zone 3 on the central line and out really due to price (don't want to pay more than £1000 a month in rent but I know that will be hard!). Do you have any tips on areas for a young professional couple with good links to the central line? Any tips for living and working in London in general?
ReplyDelete(Posting from anon as I don't want to get sussed yet as I've not told anyone! Paranoid lol!)
Thanks Rosie :) xx
Yum that looks so good ! <3 Really like your blog, it would mean the world to me if you could visit mine :), I just started blogging and yeah hope I'll get some readers hehe, Cause it would be boring if no one reads my blog .. <3
ReplyDeleteI tried it, thought it was gross and can't work out why! I love all the things in isolation (choc, coffee, salted caramel) but together- bleeugh!
ReplyDeleteThey NEED to bring Caramel Apple Spice to the UK though! BIG time love for that deliciousness!!!!
This looks amazing! Definitely going to give this a try now that it's so cold here in the UK x
ReplyDeletepeoniesandlilies.com
I love this!! So incredibly festive! Thanks for the inspiration! :)
ReplyDeleteI just tried this...it's not often you spend 40 minutes making a hot chocolate and still feel like it was worth it! I don't have a blender for the chocolate but I found that melting it in a pan then just adding everything to that worked really well (save some caramel on the side for the topping though!). The best bit is I made FAR too much so there's some left for tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteAs another soy girl - where do you get your cream from?!
ReplyDeleteI have to say you always do great pictures to illustrate your recipes! It's always so beautiful just like this idea to put some automnal leaves around this hot chocolate !:)
ReplyDelete