Bust out those large mugs and fuzzy slippers because, ladies, as cliché as it sounds—it is that time of year again. Whether you are sharing the holidays with someone special or relaxing by the fire, now is the time for joy, happiness, and snow. Nothing tastes like holiday cheer quite like the traditional cup of hot cocoa. However, when the snow starts to turn our noses red sometimes the regular cup of hot chocolate just does not hit the spot. Over winter break (or for a finals week treat) try these fun and easy (not to mention yummy) recipes for those cold nights where the fireplace is on and the holiday cookies are out:
Quick and Easy Hot Cocoa:
All you will need is the traditional packet of Nestle and some milk for this one. Tips: use full-fat milk (it’s worth the few extra calories) and let it simmer rather than microwaving it. Perfect for studying/procrastinating for finals.
The “Extra-Boost” Hot Cocoa:
After a long day in the cold, here’s something warm to take the edge off. Because let’s be honest, after memorizing the anatomy of several different animals and their functions for finals… you deserve it.
Personally, I would use 1.5 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 1.5 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 cup of milk. I would suggest either adding 1 oz. of Kahlua or mint Bailey’s to your hot cocoa. Top with Jumbo marshmallows and/or chopped up mint-chocolate candies for the perfect masterpiece.
Float-My-Cocoa-Boat
This mixes both hot and cold together to create a creamy and satisfying late night dessert. I had extra Moose Tracks frozen yogurt left over from an Ice Cream Pie I had made, and over Thanksgiving break I decided to put a scoop of it in my hot cocoa. Let’s just say it’s dangerous (but not for my waistline with fro-yo!) how much of a genius I can be sometimes.
Milk-Orange Hot Chocolate- Twist your normal drink with orange zest to let your taste buds pop.
Prepare hot chocolate as I mentioned before. However, before you drink it, zest a little bit of an orange. Stir a few shavings into the cocoa and let it sit for a few minutes before sipping in this new favorite.
Turtle Hot Cocoa- Favorite (and most worthwhile) recipe
This one takes a little extra effort to make. I took the idea of a Turtle Pie (pecans, chocolate, caramel) and on a cold day created this beautiful mug of magic. I would personally use Ghirardelli’s Unsweetened Cocoa Powder for this recipe for a darker taste.
1.5 tablespoons of Ghirardelli’s Cocoa powder
1 Tablespoon of sugar (or you can use a pump liquid Splenda)
1 Cup of milk
¼ Cup of Heavy Whipping Cream
Handful of chopped pecans
Optional: chocolate shavings
Boil the milk until it is frothy, and then pour into the cocoa powder and sugar. Mix very well and then add caramel to taste. While this is cooling for a minute or two, whisk (preferably electronically) the heavy whipping cream until thick- it’s homemade whipped cream! Top with caramel sauce, chocolate shavings, and chopped pecans.
Raise your mugs! Enjoy these holiday days with these recipes. Cheers to you, gorgeous girls!
Pic Cred: www.allwomenstalk.com