Two perfect recipes for perfect hot chocolate

Mint Hot Chocolate

Considering we have just been blanketed with almost 8 inches of snow and it's going to continue throughout the night, I'd be hard pressed to believe anyone has something other than hot chocolate on the brain. Or maybe only I do since our power was off from 9am until 8pm. Anyway ;) here is a great homemade FULL FAT {embrace it} recipe for Mint Hot Chocolate from Williams-Sonoma. This elixir guarantees sweet dreams.

Ingredients:

1/4 c chilled heavy cream

4 T sugar

3 T Dutch process cocoa powder

4 c milk {whole is best, and better for you, but go for skim if you must...*rolls eyes}

4 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped, plus 1/2 oz shaved

1/2 t peppermint extract

Directions:

In a bowl, beat the cream and 1T of the sugar until soft peaks form. Cover the whipped cream and refrigerate until ready to serve.

In a small, heavy saucepan, combine the remaining 3T sugar and the cocoa. Gradually whisk in the milk. Place over medium heat and bring to a simmer, whisking frequently. Add the chopped chocolate and whisk until melted until smooth. Stir in the peppermint extract.

Divide the hot chocolate among warmed mugs. Top each with a dollop of the whipped cream. Sprinkle with the shaved chocolate and serve immediately. Yum!

Old Fashioned Hot Cocoa

{Note: This only makes one mug, so double, triple, etc. depending on the quantity you need}

Ingredients:

1/3 c whole milk

1 T unsweetened cocoa powder

1 T sugar

1/8 t vanilla extract

Mini marshmallows or whipped cream for serving {you can get really creative for the kids and add sprinkles, chocolate chips - be inventive!}

Directions:

Before you start, warm the milk in a small saucepan over low heat until tiny bubbles appear around the edges of the pan. Remove from the heat.

Next, put the cocoa, sugar and vanilla into a mug and stir to combine.

Add 1T of the hot milk to the cocoa mixture and stir until it is smooth with no visible lumps. Pour the remaining hot milk into the mug. Stir well, top the marshmallows or whipped cream, and serve immediately.

Both of these are just what a cold winter day/night calls for. Snuggle up with a mug in front of the fire and enjoy!