Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

So it begins, my Christmas baking and tree decorating. When I start baking I make these Peppermint Hot Chocolate to really get in the spirit!!!These are not your typical powder mix hot chocolate.

No, no these Peppermint hot chocolate drinks are what dreams are made of. Real melted chocolate, milk, cream and  full of peppermint flavor that screams Christmas is coming!!!

Pour them into pretty glass mugs to add a sparkle to your Holiday mood and be sure to add the candy canes when the hot chocolate is hot.

The heat melts the candy canes for extra peppermint flavor, that I love this time of year!!!!!

You Can Adult These Peppermint Hot Chocolates

Oh yeah you can easily adult these Peppermint Hot chocolates. Here’s how, You can add any kind of liqueur you like. Brandy works particularly  well in this recipe,

If your like me and are allergic to alcohol adult it up with some real strong coffee.

You could use espresso if you have an espresso machine, I still use my stove top espresso coffee maker like my mother did, it works perfectly or you can use regular coffee

But if your wanting espresso any time of the year, but don’t want the expense of a home espresso machine get the stove top one. I  also used real whip cream, but you don’t have too. You can use what fits your lifestyle and taste.

If you make these holiday inspired drinks please leave me a comment and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram with your creations.

I love hearing from you, that’s my favorite part!!!!

Ingredients

  • 3 cups milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1 cup semi sweet  chocolate chips
  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoons peppermint flavoring
  • Peppermint Candy canes
  • Whipped cream, candy canes and marshmallows for garnish

Instructions

  1. Combine the milk and heavy cream with the white chocolate and peppermint flavoring
  2. Simmer over low heat until the chocolate is melted
  3. Remove two cups for the white chocolate hot chocolate
  4. Now to the remaining milk mixture
  5. Add the chocolate and cocoa powder
  6. And cook whisking until melted about 2 to 3 minutes
  7. Ladle into mugs Add a few marshmallows and a candy cane in each
  8. Reheat the White hot chocolate if necessary


Strawberry Affogato

What is Affagato????? ( Italian for “drowned)

Affagato is an Italian coffee based dessert. It usually takes the form of vanilla gelato or ice cream

topped or drowned with a shot of hot espresso. I kicked it up a notch for the season!!!!

Strawberries, white chocolate, coffee and ice cream all in one glass!!!

I think that’s what dreams are made of, everything delicious in every sip.

I wanted one last fling with my favorite berry STRAWBERRIES, and because it’s almost Christmas,

I added cranberries to this holiday cozy drink, I don’t drink alcohol ( that’s another story)  if you do, you can add Bailey’s

strawberry or coffee liquor.

It’s important to strain the strawberry and cranberry puree before adding the rest of the ingredients.

I use a fine strainer to do this, then return the puree to the pot to finish the cooking process.

Vanilla ice cream is my favorite, so that’s what I use, you can use any flavor you like.

In fact as I am  writing this am thinking strawberry ice cream would be heavenly in this affogato drink.

If your making this drink/dessert for a party keep it hot in a crock pot, add the coffee and ice cream when you serve the drinks,

in these pretty heat proof glasses

I also brew the coffee ahead of time. If you don’t have a espresso machine, NO problem use some strong brewed coffee.

 

I like simple, easy holiday drinks that taste delicious, come together quick, but have your friends thinking it took hours

If you try my recipes please leave me a comment or question. It’s my favorite part.

Ingredients

3 cups cleaned strawberries

2 cups fresh cranberries

1 1/2 cups sugar

2 cups low fat milk

2 cups white chocolate pieces

4 shots espresso coffee

4 scoops vanilla ice cream

1 tablespoon vanilla

Instruction

Cook strawberries, cranberries and sugar over low heat until reduced to half  (about 30 minutes)

Strain through fine strainer

Return to pot

Add remaining ingredients except coffee, ice cream and whipped cream

Simmer 10 minutes longer

Remove from heat  pour into pretty heat proof glasses

Add coffee, a scoop of ice cream, top with whipped cream and ENJOY!!!!!