COCOA NIB HOT CHOCOLATE

Cocoa Nib Hot Chocolate image

Provided by Alton Brown

Time 50m

Yield Four 6-ounce servings (24 ounces)

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 ounce cocoa nibs
16 ounces whole milk
6 ounces 65-percent to 70-percent bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
3 ounces sugar
2 ounces water
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Steps:

Pulse the cocoa nibs in a spice grinder 3 to 4 times until the nibs are coarsely chopped. Place the nibs in a 1-quart microwave-safe measuring cup and add the milk. Microwave on high for 3 to 4 minutes or until the milk reaches 160 degrees F. Steep at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine the chocolate, sugar, water and salt in the carafe of a 1-liter French press. Set aside.
After steeping, return the nib-milk mixture to the microwave and heat on high for 2 minutes until it simmers or reaches 185 degrees F. Strain the hot nib-milk mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into the French press carafe. Set aside for 1 minute, and then stir to combine the chocolate and milk. Pump the plunger of the French press 10 to 15 times to froth and aerate. Serve immediately.