It’s a perfect weekend to snuggle up
with homemade hot chocolate. Photo
courtesy Recchiuti Confections.

Here’s the scoop: Some of these top-tier products are simply chopped up bits of fine chocolate. You can make your own for far less money by chopping up a good chocolate bar. Just:

1. Combine 1 ounce (3 tablespoons) of chopped chocolate with 1 ounce of whole milk in mug.
2. Microwave for 30 seconds and whisk thoroughly to blend.
3. Add another 6 ounces of milk, stir, and heat for 60 seconds.

You can use any chocolate: dark, milk or white, including flavored bars (or add a dash of cinnamon, anise, nutmeg, and chili powder for “Aztec” hot chocolate using a plain chocolate bar).

• You can use chocolate morsels, but the key is, the finer the chocolate, the more delicious the drink.
• For a richer beverage, don’t use cream: The secret is to add a tablespoon of sweet butter to the milk before you heat it.

• Don’t try to make luxury hot chocolate with 2% or fat-free milk: The purpose is to enjoy a sumptuous beverage. If you’re cutting back, have a smaller portion—a demitasse cup. Or, use a luxury sugar-free mix with whole milk.

Read our reviews of the best diet and regular cocoa and hot chocolate.