Hot Chocolate

‘Tis the season for warm drinks. Since I can’t hit the sauce anymore, what is better than hot chocolate on a frigid Minnesota night?  Not much.  I typically make the lazy, instant hot chocolate from the package, but today I bought some fancy hot chocolate mix  from our local Penzeys Spices.  So we busted out our hot cocoa maker (an older version of this) and made ourselves some delicious winter drinks.

While we don’t typically think it’s necessary to have specialized kitchen equipment for most things, the hot chocolate maker is an exception.  I received it from my brother and sister-in-law years ago for Christmas, and I love it.  We have used it a ton over the years.  It mixes and heats whatever kind of concoction you put in it.  As for hot chocolate mix, all you do is add one tablespoon for every cup of milk.  We go with three cups for the two of us.

Then you just click it on and let it work its magic.  It stirs and heats until it is done and then shuts off automatically.  It even has a button on the side to make it frothy when it dispenses.

As seen in this fancy sticker we have left on the side of it.

All that’s left to do is add your favorite toppings.  We smashed a candy cane for a minty topper along with whipped cream and marshmallows.

The result is a fun and festive drink.  For those of us who can’t have the adult kind of hot chocolate.  Though you could of course add a little booze to yours if you are so inclined.  Crème de menthe would make a wonderful minty concoction.

I have a feeling this will be our go-to winter treat this year.  Because there aren’t a whole lot of drinks approved for pregnancy.  I’ve never had so much water in my life.  Plus hot chocolate always reminds me of my childhood.  Though it was usually accompanied by my brother dipping something into his (like toast or licorice).  How about you?  Are you a hot chocolate lover?  Or do you stick to hot tea or coffee drinks?