Wonka-inspired Raspberry Hot Chocolate with Tassimo

When I was asked by the rather nice people at Tassimo whether I would like to take part in their blogger challenges I didn't really need to think twice. I've always quite fancied owning my own Tassimo although I'm not a massive fan of coffee - I know, why would I want to try out this machine then, huh? The major selling point for me is that Tassimo doesn't just offer coffee but also tea and the real clincher for me - hot chocolate.  To get started with my challenges I was sent a Tassimo T20 machine along with two packs of T Discs and a few little extras.

The first hurdle I needed to jump over was setting up the machine which to my delight I found was incredibly simple. It's a pretty nifty looking bit of kit and I really liked being able to see the water level at the back of the machine and was impressed by how quickly it managed to heat the water up. Easily pleased? Me? Never!

Another thing that impressed me, that I was completely unaware of, was that the machine uses barcode technology to help make the perfect drink. Each T Disc has a barcode on it and this tells the machine key things like how long to brew for, how much water to use and temperature depending on which beverage you are having.

The challenge for May was pretty simple as it was mainly about experimenting with the machine and the flavours and extras I was sent to create my own unique Tassimo drink.  Whilst pondering over what I could mix it up with I was reading a review online for the new Charlie and the Chocolate Factory musical that has recently opened in London and this inspired my creation.... the Wonka-inspired Raspberry Hot Chocolate.

I tried to imagine what you would be presented with if you asked for a hot chocolate in Willy Wonka's factory and whilst I am sure what you would get would be far bigger and way more fantastical than my offering, this was my take on it. 

What's in it? At the bottom of the mug was a huge (HUGE) dollop of raspberry syrup (the type you put on your ice-cream sundaes), then I used one of the Suchard T Discs to make the hot chocolate itself. It was topped with copious amounts of whipped cream, followed by jelly beans, chocolate covered popping candy, mini marshmallows, milk and white chocolate curls before being drizzled with more raspberry syrup and finally garnished with a wafer curl.

Highly extravagant and not really very diet-friendly, neither is it particularly good if you're fond of your teeth, but nonetheless a very nice treat for when you deserve one! 

Since I've received my Tassimo I've been treating myself to a bedtime hot chocolate each night, a little bit naughty, but also very nice!  I now can't wait to try out more of the T Discs and see what other challenges may await me!