Mumbai Hot Chocolate

We used to think our cat was a male. We were told by the people we got her from that she was a boy and naively didn't think to check. Needless to say we felt like prize idiots when the vet informed us that she was a girl as only females are born with her specific colouring. Right then.

But I'd like to think we would've figured out her x-chromosome abundance quite soon if we just paid a bit more attention. For example, she likes all things sweet - chocolate, condensed milk, icing, cookies, etc. Everyone knows females invented sweets. Also, her favourite drinks are water (healthy choice) and tomato juice (I dare you to find me a man who likes tomato juice). And, most importantly, she does not like it when a new bitch female tries to win over her daddy's* affections.

Unfortunately for little JD, the new female (in the guise of new cat-sister Ellie) is here to stay. No matter how much she hisses or growls** at the newcomer. Fortunately though, TheHusband has a big enough heart to dole out love to all the important females in his life. And of course, there's always chocolate. Chocolate is, after all, a girl's best friend. Poor Marilyn Monroe didn't know what she was talking about.

JD (and me) loves chocolate on most days, but this particular version is best suited to special occasions. A little  hint of the exotic with a touch of "ooooh, what is that?" from the cardamom will ensure that you walk away satisfied. And trust me, more chocolaty than this you won't easily find. Rich and decadent, this one is only for serious chocolate fans. Cat-approved.

* You probably know him better as TheHusband
** Hands up who's ever heard a cat growl? Freaky stuff.

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Mumbai Hot Chocolate
Adapted from Feast Bazaar
Serves 4 - 6

200g milk chocolate, broken into pieces
200ml cream
200ml full cream milk
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
15 cardamom pods, husks removed & ground
chili flakes, to serve

1. Combine all the ingredients, except for the chili flakes in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
2. Stir until chocolate has melted and mixture looks smooth. Ensure that all the cocoa powder has been mixed in, using a whisk if necessary to remove any lumps.
3. Pour into small cups and sprinkle with chilli flakes before serving.

This Mumbai chocolate drink can be served both hot (as I did) or chilled, as a type of milkshake. I would recommend whisking in extra milk if serving it chilled, as it thickens considerably when cooling down.