French Press Breakfast Chocolate

Recipe by The View From the Great Island

French Press Breakfast Chocolate ~ this easy method makes a thick, rich, frothed hot chocolate just like the Europeans enjoy!

Ingredients

• 10 oz good quality dark or bittersweet chocolate, cut in rough chunks
• leftover vanilla bean pods (optional)
• 1 cup (8 oz) milk
• ¼ tsp espresso powder (optional)

Method

1. Put the chocolate in the bowl of a food processor. Make sure the bowl is completely dry. Process until the chocolate is finely ground. You want a coarse granular texture. Stop if the chocolate starts to clump together and release its oil.
2. Let the chocolate dry at room temperature for several hours. Then process again briefly. The chocolate will have lightened in color.
3. Store the chocolate in a mason type jar with a tight fitting lid. If you are using the vanilla bean pods, layer them in as you fill the jar.
4. Put 4 Tbsp of the chocolate powder in the bottom of the French press. Add in the espresso powder, if using.
5. Put the milk in a quart sized Pyrex measuring cup. Microwave for 2-3 minutes, until it just comes to a boil. You can do this on the stove if you want to.
6. Pour the scalding hot milk over the chocolate and put the plunger top on the pot, but don't depress it yet.
7. Let the milk sit for 2 minutes.
8. Then plunge vigorously for 1 minute to froth the hot chocolate. It will increase in volume. Do this on a steady surface.
9. Pour into 1 large or 2 small cups and enjoy!

View the recipe instructions at The View From the Great Island