Hawaiian Hot Chocolate

Hawaiian chef Brandon Baptiste, co-owner of Wailua Shave Ice and Wailua Drive In restaurants, shares his favorite homemade hot cocoa recipe, perfect for a chilly day or relaxing evening. This version pumps up the chocolate and cuts back on the sugar, resulting in a rich, but not-too-sweet taste.

Combining the cocoa powder with water first, before adding the milk, helps prevent the chocolate from bubbling or burning, making for a subtler, richer flavor.

Hawaiian Hot Chocolate

Yields: 2-3 servings

3/4 cup water3 Tbsp cocoa powder3 cups macadamia milk6 ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped3 Tbsp granulated sugar or maple syrup1/2 tsp vanilla extract1/2 tsp coconut extractPinch of sea salt (optional)

Bring water to a simmer in a medium saucepan. Whisk in the cocoa powder until mixture is smooth, then add milk and return to a simmer. Stir in chocolate, vanilla and coconut extract, sugar (or maple syrup) and salt (if using), stirring frequently to prevent chocolate from burning. Continue stirring until mixture is smooth and creamy and chocolate has melted completely, about 5 minutes. Pour hot chocolate into mugs and top with whipped cream or marshmallows.