Ingredients
Ganache
- 120 grams White chocolate
- 1 piece Vanilla pod, scraped
- 60 grams Whipping cream
- 30 grams Orange juice
- 30 grams Almond paste
- Pinch of Cinnamon
- 1 piece Orange, zest
Drink
- 300 ml Plant-based milk (such as almond or oat milk)
- 30 grams Whipping cream (for garnish)
- Pinch of Cinnamon (for garnish)
- Orange wedge (for garnish)
Instructions
- Melt the chocolate and almond paste: Place the white chocolate and almond paste in a heatproof bowl over a Bain Marie (double boiler) and gently melt until fully combined and smooth. Set aside.
- Prepare infused cream: In a small pot, combine the heavy cream, orange zest, scraped vanilla bean, and a pinch of cinnamon. Bring this mixture to a light simmer and immediately remove from the heat. Allow it to infuse for 10 to 15 minutes to extract maximum flavor.
- Create the ganache: Pour the infused cream into the melted chocolate and almond paste mixture. Emulsify using a hand blender, gradually adding the orange juice little by little while blending, until the ganache is smooth, shiny, and well incorporated. Refrigerate the ganache for a couple of hours or overnight to set.
- Heat the milk: Warm the plant-based milk to approximately 85°C (185°F), taking care not to boil.
- Assemble the hot chocolate: Add about 50 grams (or more for extra sweetness) of the chilled ganache to the warm milk. Blend using a hand blender or a regular blender until smooth and slightly frothy.
- Garnish and serve: Top the hot chocolate with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, fresh orange zest, and an orange wedge. Serve immediately and enjoy your rich, flavorful treat!
Notes
- For the best flavor and texture, use high-quality white chocolate and fresh orange zest.
- If you prefer a stronger orange taste, increase the amount of orange juice slightly.
- The whipped cream topping can be substituted with coconut whipped cream for a dairy-free option.
- You can prepare the ganache in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- A hand blender is preferred for emulsifying to achieve a smooth ganache, though a regular blender works well when mixing with milk.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: European
- Diet: Vegetarian