Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Since the first snowfall coated my yard my newest addiction has been a piping hot cup of peppermint hot chocolate. So yummy..and seasonally appropriate. :) If you want to make the lazy version (a personal favorite of mine) all it takes is a pouch of your favorite hot cocoa mix and a few drops of peppermint extract. If you are feeling extra festive add a dollop of whip cream and a candy cane for stirring.

If you are more of the Martha type then try out this recipe via allrecipes.com -

CANDY CANE COCOA

Ingredients -
4 cups of milk
3 squares (1 ounce) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
4 peppermint candy canes, crushed
1 cup whipped cream
4 small peppermint candy canes

Directions -
In a saucepan, heat milk until hot, but not boiling. Whisk in the chocolate and the crushed peppermint candies until melted and smooth. Pour hot cocoa into four mugs, and garnish with whipped cream. Serve each with a candy cane stirring stick.

For a delicious and festive gift idea try making up a jar of this beautiful PEPPERMINT STICK COCOA (recipe via myrecipes.com)

Ingredients -
1 cup powdered milk
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup miniature chocolate chips
1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy

Directions -
Layer powdered milk, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, chocolate chips, and peppermint candy in a jar. Add a ribbon and a tag, and you have a simple but stylish gift. This mix will fill a 1-quart jar (12 servings), but if your containers are different sizes, just keep the ratio of ingredients constant. On the back of the tag, write: "Mix contents in a large bowl. For each serving, place 1/3 cup cocoa mix in a mug and stir in 1 cup boiling water. Store remaining mix in airtight container."