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White chocolate orange almond cocoa

Creamy White Chocolate Orange Almond Cocoa to Warm Your Soul

This Creamy White Chocolate Orange Almond Cocoa uniquely combines sweet white chocolate, zesty orange, and nutty almond flavors for a comforting winter beverage.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 2 mugs
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Ganache
  • 200 g White Chocolate Recommended: Callebaut for best results
  • 100 g Almond Paste Substitute with marzipan for a different nut profile
  • 1 large Vanilla Bean Can be substituted with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 150 ml Heavy Cream Can be replaced with full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free option
  • 50 ml Orange Juice Freshly squeezed juice gives the best flavor
  • 1 pinch Cinnamon Adjust to taste
  • 1 tbsp Orange Zest Using a Microplane gives you the finest zest
For the Hot Cocoa
  • 500 ml Milk Substitute with any milk you prefer
  • optional Whipped Cream Can be swapped with whipped coconut cream

Equipment

  • Heatproof Bowl
  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Hand blender
  • Container for chilling

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare Ganache: Combine chopped white chocolate and almond paste in a heatproof bowl over a simmering Bain Marie. Stir gently until melted and smooth, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
  2. Infuse Cream: Mix heavy cream with orange zest, vanilla bean seeds, and cinnamon in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low until it simmers (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and steep for 10-15 minutes.
  3. Combine Mixtures: Gradually fold the infused cream into the melted chocolate mixture. Use a hand blender to emulsify until smooth, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in freshly squeezed orange juice.
  4. Chill: Transfer ganache to a container, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  5. Prepare Hot Chocolate: Heat your milk in a saucepan until steaming (about 85°C/185°F). Add 50g ganache to the milk and whisk or blend until frothy.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Serve the cocoa in mugs, topping with whipped cream, a dusting of cinnamon, and orange zest. Add an orange wedge for garnish if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1mugCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 5gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 28gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Using high-quality ingredients will enhance the flavors. Infuse cream properly for the best taste, heat milk without boiling, and adjust cinnamon spices as desired. The ganache can be made ahead and stored for convenience.

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