Sunday, December 20, 2015

{Christmas Party Favorites} Cozy and Delicious Vanilla Hot Cocoa


It's always nice to serve a hot drink at your Christmas party, even if the weather is unseasonably warm. A hot drink always helps to make things feel a bit festive. So turn on the fireplace and grab a mug.  We are going to give it our all to make it feel like Christmas!

Whether you're wearing your flip flops, or your boots, you are sure to love this delicious Vanilla Hot Cocoa.  The addition of cinnamon and vanilla are subtle, yet help to bring out the rich chocolate flavor of the cocoa.  Whether you top your cocoa with marshmallows, chocolate shavings, or whipped cream this is sure to make you feel cozy, relaxed, and ready to celebrate the season!


Vanilla Hot Cocoa
Adapted from The Food You Crave
by Ellie Krieger
Makes 1 cup 

1 cup nonfat milk
1 cinnamon stick
2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons water
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon shaved dark chocolate, optional*

In a small saucepan, heat the milk and cinnamon stick over medium-low heat until scalding hot (little bubbles will start forming around the edge of the pan), about 4 minutes. While the milk is warming, put the cocoa and sugar in a mug. Add the water to the mug and stir until it has the consistency of a paste. Remove the cinnamon stick from the milk, add the cocoa mixture and vanilla to the milk, and whisk until slightly frothy.  Pour into the mug, top with chocolate shavings (if desired), and enjoy!

Theme: Cinnamon & Sugar


5 comments:

  1. I wanna grab that mug! This looks wonderful, and my kids would surely love this for sure! Now, how did I miss this from the book? I can almost smell the fragrance of the cinnamon and vanilla from that mug!

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  2. Kim, this is perfect! I can imagine myself holding a cup of this piping hot cocoa while reading a book. Pure bliss. :)

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  3. Hearth, hot cocoa and holiday party invoke so much warmth and festivity. Thanks for bringing it to us!

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  4. That sounds great in any season, you are so right. Flip flops or boots. Our weather has been crazy with days in the upper 70s then a few where we needed heavy coats and gloves. Today it is raining so what better time than to try a new hot chocolate recipe.

    I hope you are are doing well and Santa is good to you and your family.

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  5. I have been on hot cocoa kick lately using dark chocolates and coconut milk (and the occasional shot of peppermint Schnapps). ;-) This one look yummy with the cinnamon and vanilla--perfect for curling up with a good book.

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