Our Indian Summer has finally met it’s end. As nice as it was, cooler temperatures are here and I’m ready to pull out the thick cozy sweaters, steaming soups, and (of course) the hot chocolate!

When it comes to hot chocolate it seems like there are two camps: thick, creamy hot chocolate and thin, milky hot chocolate. I am without a doubt in the first camp. I like my hot chocolate almost pudding-like, rich and chocolaty with loads of whipped cream on top.

This Pumpkin Spice Dark Hot Chocolate is slightly thickened with a little cornstarch and sweetened only by the chocolate chips that are melted into the drink. No other sugar is added, which is a bonus! You can use a store-bought pumpkin spice blend for this treat, or you can make your own. It would also be super cool to cook your own pumpkin and make a pumpkin puree with it. I used canned pumpkin for my hot chocolate, but I think that next time I’ll try making my own puree to use in it!

• 1 1/2teaspoons Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend
• 1 teaspoon Cornstarch
• 2 1/2 cups Whole Milk
• 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
• 1/2 cup Pumpkin Puree (not pumpkin pie filling!)
• 1 cup Dark Chocolate Chips, or chopped Dark Chocolate
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• Heavy Cream, whipped to stiff peaks, for topping
• Extra Pumpkin Pie Spice or Cinnamon for dusting

Step 1
Place the pumpkin pie spice and the cornstarch in a saucepan and whisk together. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of the milk to the spice mix and whisk together until smooth. Add the remaining milk, cream, and pumpkin puree to the pan and whisk until smooth.

Step 2
Add the dark chocolate chips to the saucepan and place the saucepan over medium high heat. Whisk the mixtureconstantly to avoid scorching the chocolate chips. After about 3-4 minutes the mixture should come to a boil and the dark chocolate should be melted entirely. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla.

Step 3
Divide the mixture between mugs and top each mug with a dollop of whipped cream.

Sprinkle cinnamon or pumpkin spice lightly over the top of the whipped cream. Serves 2-4, depending on the serving size.

Cozy up, and enjoy!