Winter’s upon us: Here’s a warm-up!

Written by Judy Vig and Joy Paoletti
Friday, 28 December 2012 11:34

Ahhhh the winter season! You either love it or hate it! The first snowfall is always so beautiful and exciting. But the second one — not so much. Now it’s freezing outside, and the kids want to try out those new Christmas sleds. And all you keep saying to yourself, as you face outdoor tasks, is “Why the heck didn’t I do this when it was warmer?”

Well...there is only one thing that can defrost those frostbitten fingers and chilled-to-the-bone toes: a piping hot, frothy mug of hot chocolaty goodness.  It is such a  versatile drink and now comes in so many ready-made flavors, or you can create your own. Have fun with it! 

Each family has its special recipe for hot chocolate and choice of toppings. The popular drink can be flavored with just about anything from butterscotch chips to chili peppers!  We would like to share our recipe with you. It was given to us by our special friend, MaryEllen. Every year the kids would be at her house at Christmastime and she would bake her “to die for” cookies and serve this amazing hot chocolate. Soon it became a staple in our homes as well. Let’s enjoy........ the holidays are here and winter’s just begun!

Amazing Hot Chocolate

The flavor is deeply rich and wonderfully satisfying on its own, but when the kids are nestled all snug in their beds, a splash or two of your favorite cordial will really put you in the holiday spirit!

4 cups milk* 

4 heaping teaspoons good quality cocoa

1/3 cup vanilla sugar**

1/2 cup chocolate chips

1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract

a huge scoop or two of vanilla or chocolate ice cream

Garnish: whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate shavings

In a large sauce pot, combine the milk and cocoa and heat until very warm, Add the rest of the ingredients and stir until combined. Taste, add more sugar and vanilla if you like it sweeter. Top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings or marshmallows. Yum!

*any type of milk will work, from fat free to half & half!

**regular sugar is fine; Vanilla Sugar is a TwiceBakedTwin favorite! To make: 2 cups white sugar, 1 vanilla bean split and pushed into sugar. Let sit for a few days to perfume the sugar. Leave out on counter and twirl the sealed jar every time you walk by.....pure heaven!