Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Chocolate With A Zip

I've always loved hot chocolate, especially with marshmallows or whipped cream served on top. Yesterday, I came across an old, but interesting way to "change it up" a bit.

Try putting a little extra "zip" in your cup of cocoa with peppermint. Either melt a few peppermint candies into the hot beverage or add a peppermint candy cane as a stirrer. It's not only delicious, but also adds a festive touch for the holidays.

Gift idea: One cute Christmas mug from the $1.00 store, one packet of instant cocoa mix, and a candy cane. Wrap in red cellophane and add a nice holiday ribbon. (Especially nice for a child's gift.)

***What's your holiday drink of choice?

19 comments:

Janna Leadbetter said...

I really enjoy the pumpkin spice lattes and cappuccinos that come out during the fall. But I have to admit, I'm not a fan of peppermint. Still, it's a great idea for those who do, to mix it with cocoa!

Barb Davis said...

Janna- I'm not a huge fan of peppermint, either, but I do like it around the holidays. It carries with it some nice memories.

Barb Davis said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Joanne said...

Coffee even more so now, because lingering with a cup just slows the holiday pace a bit.

Unknown said...

Our special treat for the holidays is a cup of hot soy nog ... with nutmeg. But ... I have to say ... your chocolate with peppermint sounds awfully good.

Small Footprints
http://reducefootprints.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Sounds yummy to me Barbara - we love hot coco here.

Blessings today!

Jill

Barb Davis said...

Joanne- There's just nothing like a good hot cup of aromatic coffee to start any winter day.

Barb Davis said...

Footprints- Soy nog...that sounds interesting. Can you give us the recipe?

Barb Davis said...

Jill- Welcome!!

Angie Ledbetter said...

Mmm, that sounds good. Do they make those chocolate stirring spoons with a peppermint flavor too?

Besides coffee, my favorite winter drink is a certain brand of eggnog from the liquor section of the store (and I rarely drink) so I can't recall the name right now. LOL There are some great spiced teas out too. Did you ever make the one involving instant tea and Tang?

Pat's Place said...

Great Christmas gift idea. I have seen it called Snowman Soup especially if it is put into a snowman theme mug.

Linda said...

I bought a Chipotle recipe book the other day and there was hot chocolate with chipotle pepper in it.

"Grown Up Hot Chocolate"

2 cups milk
4 oz bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate cut into pieces
Large pinch of Chipotle powder, or to taste
1/2 tsp grate orange zest
freshly grated nutmeg for dusting
(*You can spike with Grand Marnier or favorite coffee liqueur)

Barb Davis said...

Pat- I'm going to offer more ideas in the coming days.

Barb Davis said...

Linda R.- Wow, that is different. Maybe we should try it at your house.

KKJD1 said...

I made some really cute cups up like you are talking with the pep. sticks and marshmellows,chocolate and a note that read:
Was told you've been good this year
Always glad to hear it
With freezing weather drawing near
You'll need to warm the spirit
So here's a little snowman soup
Complete with stirring stick
Add hot water, Sip it slow
Its sure to do the trick.
It makes a cute gift for teachers and co-workers too!
As for my fav holiday drink I love egg nog! Yum! Have a great afternoon. Blessings, Karen

Barb Davis said...

KKJD1 (Karen)- Love the little note with the Snowman Soup. So cute!

Barb Davis said...

Angie- I don't have the one for tea and tang, but it sounds good.

Lea and her Mustangs said...

Tea with Tang is very good. My favorite winter drink is hot spiced cider. Love it. During the holidays I keep it brewing and hot. Just the smell of it makes good memories.

Barb Davis said...

Lea- That's a great idea for making the house smell like Christmas all winter long.