Salted Caramel Mocha

 

Before i start, i hope everybody on the East Coast of the US are alright. We have a cyclone brewing here in Chennai as well, and it is humbling to see how we are, after all, mere, fickle, human beings on the face of mighty Earth, who should do something in our capacity, however small, to help and support like, mere, fickle human beings who are in the face of calamity and adversity.

The weather has been good to us the past few days: pleasant, sun playing peek-a-boo and gusty winds. It is such welcome respite and i am taking it all in, like a good, beautiful weather-hungry Chennaite should. The occasion calls for some hot, salted caramel mocha. It is quick, easy to put together, smooth, creamy, intense and determined to make you feel on top of things. Try it.

Adapted from here

(Serves one very thirsty soul)

-2 tablespoons Caramel

-1 tablespoon Chocolate syrup (recipe below)

-Small pinch of salt

-2/3 cup strong, freshly brewed hot coffee

-1/3 cup milk, warmed

-Whipped cream - optional, for serving

-Additional caramel sauce - optional, for serving

Add the caramel sauce, chocolate syrup and salt to a mug. Pour the hot coffee into the mug and stir till the caramel and sugar have dissolved. Add the milk and stir. Add a flourish of vanilla bean-whipped cream and drizzle a good dose of caramel over it. Serve immediately!

Recipe for Chocolate Syrup from here
-5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
-5 tablespoons water
-5 1/2 tablespoons sugar
-1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Combine the sugar and the cocoa powder in a saucepan, add the water and salt and bring to a boil on medium high heat. Continue stirring and once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the temperature to low and continue stirring till the mixture reduces and becomes thicker. Remove from flame, add the vanilla extract and store in an airtight jar in the refrigerator.

P.S: I used regular fresh cream as you can see from the pictures. It is a task to whip it up, and i had to do quite a bit of drama to get it to whipped stage. i got somewhere close and couldn't be bothered more 'cos the mocha was waiting and the sooner i finished the ordeal, the sooner i could click pics and the sooner i could drink it. i just piped it in what best way i could, drizzled the caramel over it. So, please feel free to use whipping cream to get the desired look.

P.P.S: You can use the chocolate syrup to make instant hot chocolate or mochas or margaritas. Really, inspiration is waiting to strike. Seize it! :)