There really is no better gift than the gift of chocolate for Christmas. This spiced hot chocolate jar is not only thoughtful but utterly delicious.

Tailor the recipe to suit the person you are giving it too. All you have to do is tie a label on the side with the instructions and you’re done.

Ingredients:

– 200g unsweetened cocoa powder
– 440g sugar
– 6 tsp. cornstarch
– 2 tsp. cinnamon
– 2 tsp. chipotle powder or chilli powder
– 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
– 1/2 tsp. cayenne

Method:

1. Add 100g of this delicious spiced chocolate blend to 900ml of milk and whisk over a medium heat until well blended and hot.
2. Pour into your glass and top with some whipped cream!

Shane Smith hails from Co Cavan and has been cooking his way around Ireland and further afield for the past 16 years, starting his training in Co. Donegal in Tourism College Killybegs and then extending his studies to Galway Mayo Institute of Technology graduating with a degree in Culinary Arts, specialising in Pastry.

Shane has been very fortunate to have worked in and ran the pastry sections in some of Ireland’s leading 5* hotels and restaurants. Shane can be spotted all over the country carrying out his fun, interactive demonstrations with some of Ireland’s leading chefs. In September 2015, Shane was honoured to be awarded the title of “Best Bakery Manager in Ireland” in conjunction with Shelflife magazine and most recently has landed a cookery slot on Sunday AM where he can been seen regularly bringing his natural flare and love for all things sweet from the TV3 studios into the nation’s homes. chefshanesmith.ie