Sipping chocolate is like grown-up hot chocolate. Its deep, earthy flavor reminds you of the time you dashed into a Paris cafe one fall afternoon, brushing leaves from your hair. You spent an hour lingering over a city map with a demitasse of thick chocolat chaud before venturing out again to find the Rodin museum.

You can relive at least part of that Parisian afternoon with this recipe for dairy- and sugar-free chocolat chaud. It is deeply-flavorful, but not over-the-top rich. And best of all, there’s no need to feel guilty indulging in a nice, warm cup whenever – and wherever – you feel the need.

European-Style Sipping Chocolate

1 1/4 cups unsweetened soy milk or other non-dairy milk

1-2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa (start with 1 tbsp, you can always add more!)

2 tbsp date sugar (a couple dates would be a good substitute if you don’t have date sugar)

2 tbsp walnuts

a couple drops of vanilla extract

Combine all the ingredients in a high-power blender and blend until smooth. Heat gently on the stove and serve.

Serves 2

Photo: Eric Bézine