Citrus Almond Cocoa (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - Heavy cream, full-fat
02 - Ground cinnamon, a pinch
03 - Fresh zest from an unwaxed orange
04 - Finely chopped premium white chocolate (min. 30% cocoa butter)
05 - Vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped out
06 - Pure almond paste for nutty richness
07 - Milk, to serve hot

→ Optional Garnishes

08 - Shavings of orange zest
09 - Slivered almonds for crunch
10 - A dollop of whipped cream
11 - Light dusting of cinnamon

# Instructions:

01 - Grab a small pot and combine cream, orange zest, scraped vanilla bean seeds and pod, and just a touch of cinnamon. Warm it gently until it just starts steaming, then take it off the heat. Cover and let those flavors infuse for 15-20 minutes.
02 - Take your white chocolate and chop it fine, placing it into a bowl safe for heat. Break up the almond paste into small bits and add to the bowl.
03 - Using a fine sieve, pour the infused cream through to catch the zest and vanilla pod. Pour the liquid back into the pan and heat again just until it starts to steam.
04 - Pour the hot cream over your chopped chocolate and almond paste. Let it sit for a minute before gently whisking until everything blends silky smooth. If needed, you can place the bowl over a pot of steaming water to melt any unmelted bits.
05 - Once the mix cools down at room temperature, transfer to a sealed container if you're not using it right away. You can safely keep it in the fridge for up to one week.
06 - Heat up about a cup of milk per serving until it's hot but not bubbling. Stir 3-4 tablespoons of the ganache into the milk until completely smooth and mixed well.
07 - Transfer to mugs and finish it off however you like—whether whipped cream, curly strands of orange zest, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or those slivered almonds.

# Notes:

01 - Store the ganache in the fridge for up to a week so you can make fancy hot chocolate anytime.
02 - Only use high-quality white chocolate that has at least 30% cocoa butter for the richest flavor and smooth texture.
03 - Pick fresh oranges with no wax coating—zest contains the oils that bring out the flavor.
04 - Fresh vanilla pods give more depth compared to extracts—look for ones that feel oily and plump.
05 - Stick to smooth almond paste for that nutty taste. Avoid marzipan; it's too sweet and will alter the balance.

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