It is officially that time of year when the first snow fall has arrived, the cozy sweaters and mittens have made an appearance, and the winter jackets have come out of hiding. What better way to enjoy the festive season then with a delicious cup of steaming hot cocoa and a little holiday cheer? Make this season absolutely delicious by incorporating one of these hot cocoa recipes into your holiday plans!
Peppermint Hot Chocolate… YUM!
Ingredients:
- 1 quart milk
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips (3 ounces)
- 7 peppermint sticks; 3 crushed (1/4 cup), 4 left whole
- pinch of salt
Directions:
Place cocoa in a medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in milk until cocoa has dissolved. Add chocolate chips and crushed peppermint; simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until chocolate and peppermint have melted, 8 to 10 minutes. Bring to a boil and immediately remove from heat. Add salt. Ladle into mugs; serve each with a peppermint stick and a large dollop of whipped cream!
Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa… Say goodbye to the expensive Starbucks drinks, this one will steal your heart!
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons of Caramel syrup heated until warm
- Hot Chocolate (4 tablespoons of ganache plus 6 oz. of milk, heated)
- Whipped Cream
- Pinch of Medium Coarse Sea Salt
Directions:Pour 2 Tablespoons of caramel syrup into a mug so the inside of the mug is coated well. Add hot chocolate and stir everything. Top off with a hearty helping of whipped cream, drizzle with the remaining caramel, and sprinkle with sea salt and then let yourself fall in love with this delicious concoction… maybe take a seat for the first sip!
They call it Belgian Hot Cocoa, We call it DELICIOUS!
Ingredients:
- 1 quart (1l) of milk (whole milk if you’re feeling decadent, lowfat if you’re holding back)
- 8 ounces (230g) bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 4 ounces (115g) milk chocolate, finely chopped
- 1 tiny pinch of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions:
Warm about one-third of the milk, with the chopped chocolates and salt, stirring until the chocolate is melted. Whisk in the remaining milk, heating until the mixture is warmed through. Add the cinnamon. Use a hand-held blender, or a whisk, and mix the hot chocolate until it’s completely smooth. Serve very warm… and don’t forget to add some whipped cream!
NOW remember, the holiday season is meant for sharing! Luckily, these recipes all make at least four servings… so don’t be greedy and make sure to share with the roomies or that cute boy from next door!