Umstead Hotel and Spa's hot chocolate recipes

Dr. Allen Mask checked out the hot chocolate at the Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary.

Below are several recipes: 

HOT WHITE CHOCOLATE

4-5 oz. white chocolate pistoles
3 pinches of ground cinnamon
2 cinnamon sticks
2 cups milk (whole milk or lower fat version of your choice)
No sugar necessary
1 pinch of salt (to help balance sweetness)

On low heat, first add milk and stir in spice ingredients, stir regularly 'til warm enough to melt chocolate.
Turn up to medium heat and stir in chocolate, add pinch of salt and stir regularly until velvety smooth.
Serve in tea cup, add topping of your choice

HOT MILK CHOCOLATE

8 oz. milk chocolate pistoles
2 vanilla beans
3 pinches tumeric
2 cups milk
1 oz. sugar
1 pinch of salt

On low heat, first add milk and stir in spice ingredients, stir regularly 'til warm enough to melt chocolate.
Turn up to medium heat and stir in chocolate, add pinch of salt and stir regularly until velvety smooth.
Serve in tea cup, add topping of your choice.

HOT DARK CHOCOLATE

4-5 oz. dark chocolate pistoles
2 tblsp red pepper paste
1 pinch cayenne pepper
2 tsp finely chopped sweet peppers
2 cups milk
1 oz. sugar
1 pinch of salt

On low heat, stir in spice ingredients and sugar, stir and heat for a few minutes.
Stir in milk - and then turn up to medium heat.
Stir in chocolate; add pinch off salt and stir regularly until velvety smooth.
Serve in tea cup, add topping of your choice.