Ackee Hot Chocolate

White hot chocolate with a uniquely Jamaican twist? Don’t mind if I do. Let me introduce you to Ackee Hot Chocolate! It’s a must try for the foodie! Featuring rich caramel notes, try this indulgent drink topped with marshmallows and/or spiked with your favourite liquor 😉

For most of my high school years, we lived in the foothills of the Blue Mountains; in a valley off the winding road just below Mavis Bank. It must have been the years spent there that prepared me for life in North America because it did get pretty chilly whenever it rained but especially in November & December (though nothing like the Rockies or New England).

A hot cup of chocolate tea (not to be confused with hot chocolate) was often the solution to warm up from the inside out. If I could click my heels together and be right there now, I’d love to have a cup of this Ackee Hot Chocolate with just a splash of coconut rum; float away from the cares of adult life with my feet up and eyes closed listening to the trickle of the stream and the chatter of birds.

Unfortunately, a trip back home is a ways off from now and I must survive another New England winter. Not to worry, my ackee obsession will keep me occupied and when that alone won’t suffice, I’ll dip into my special “tastes like home” box (that’s currently tucked away in my pantry), close the windows, crank up the heat in the apartment and dance to some of my favourite tunes…winter? what winter? 😆

Now back to this recipe! It is so ridiculously easy to make! Once the ackees have been pureed you’re basically waiting for the milk to heat up and you’re done within a matter of minutes.

It’s very important to use good quality white chocolate, not chips intending for baking as those contain stabilizers to prevent them from melting so they hold up in things like white chocolate chip cookies (yum 😋).

Adding the cornstarch will make your white chocolate just a bit thicker but it is optional.

I like to toast my marshmallows mostly because I enjoy setting things on fire 😆 (in a safe kitchen environment with all proper safety protocol observed of course 🙃). Most times I get quite carried away, which is fine by me since I like a little char (yup, I’m one of those persons who “burns” fried ripe plantains on purpose). It takes all kinds to make the world mama says.

So what do you think? As always feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below. If you make this or any of the recipes from the site, be sure to #amazingackee and @amazingackee so that I can see your posts across social media.

Until next time, thanks for stopping by 😊

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Ackee Hot Chocolate

Though purists may argue that white chocolate isn't chocolate and some Jamaicans will argue that "nutten nuh sweeter than chocolate tea". Ackee Hot Chocolate is a must try for the foodie! Try this indulgent drink topped with marshmallows or spiked with your favourite liquor.

Course Drinks

Cuisine American, caribbean, jamaican

Prep Time 10 minutes

Servings 4 5oz cups

Calories 245 kcal

Author Chantal

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups Milk
• 1/2 cup Parboiled/Canned Ackee
• 4 oz White Chocolate Good quality bar, not chips for baking
• 1 tsp Cornstarch Optional
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract

Optional:

• Marshmallows for garnish and splash of liquor (dark rum creme de menthe, coconut rum or
• coffee liqueur) if desired

Instructions

1. Blend ackee till completely smooth (alternately, pass it through a fine sieve)
2. Reserve a little of the milk to mix the cornstarch with (if using); pour the rest of the milk along
3. with the blended ackee into a saucepan and place over medium heat.
4. When the ackee mixture begins to simmer, whisk together cornstarch and reserved milk then
5. add to the ackee in the saucepan, stirring until slightly thickened.
6. Remove from heat and add the chocolate, whisk until chocolate melts completely, then add
7. vanilla.
8. Pour into cups and serve warm.
9. Top with marshmallows and/or add a splash of liquor if desired

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