Sign up for our Newsletter

CYNDI MURRAY PHOTO | Sylvia Daley’s grounds fresh nutmeg for her hot chocolate.

Courtesy of one of the North Fork’s oldest bed & breakfasts is a recipe for Jamaican hot chocolate that is sure to become a wintertime classic in your own home.

At Quintessentials Bed & Breakfast and Spa in East Marion, innkeeper Sylvia Daley, a native of Jamaica, has her own unique take on the drink. The island nation is one of the world’s premiere cocoa plant growers and the bean is a staple in nearly every kitchen, she said.

Ms. Daley’s recipe has been in her family for nearly a century. She brought it to the United States in the 1970s and has been serving it to rave reviews at her East Marion retreat for the better part of 20 years.

“At first the children order it and they love it,” Daley said. “As soon as the kids start raving, their parent try it and then they’re skipping the coffee and the tea for the hot chocolate.”

This week, Sylvia shared her secret recipe with us, so you can serve it at home.

Pro tip: “It’s all about the chocolate,” Ms. Daley said.

Sylvia’s hot chocolate for two

What you’ll need

4 oz shaved milk chocolate (Can substitute 3 tablespoon of powdered cocoa)

1 cup milk

1 cup half and half milk

1/2 cup hot water

½ cup strong black coffee

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Cinnamon sticks as stirrer (optional)

How to do it:

Heat milk; add chocolate, whisk over low flame. Add hot water, coffee, sugar, vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon.

Pour into cups and add a cinnamon stick stirrer.

Serve and enjoy.

CYNDI MURRAY PHOTO | The hot chocolate is served with double chocolate chip cookies and biscotti.
CYNDI MURRAY PHOTO | The hot chocolate is served with double chocolate chip cookies and biscotti.

Throughout the month of February, Quintessentials Spa will be serving hot chocolate to its guests.

It will also offer its “Sweet Romance Package” for $149. 
It includes chilled champagne, roses, hand-dipped chocolates, & free wine tasting at a North Fork vineyard. It is also offering its “Romantic Spa Indulgence Package” for $299. That package includes chocolate aromatherapy four hand synchronicity couples massage, two therapists, one hour each  and hand-dipped Belgian chocolates and strawberries.

Quintessentials Bed & Breakfast and Spa is located at 8985 Main Road, East Marion. (map it)

Call them at 631-477-9400

 

X
X