I don't know about you, but the days leading up to Christmas have been absolutely crazy-hectic for me! Between work, shopping, wrapping presents, and trying to decide what to cook to share at our families' holiday celebrations in Houston this weekend? I haven't had time to do much cooking, let alone food blogging. So...I'm going to cheat a little bit. I'm looking back to last year for one of my all-time favorite treats to sip in front of the fire. By now, we've firmly established that one of my favorite holiday flavors is PEPPERMINT!! Last year, I found a recipe online for hot white chocolate, so my Peppermint Hot White Cocoa was born. This one's so good that I had to share it again. Yes, the holidays are hectic, but it's important to take time to slow down and savor some quiet reflection. This cocoa is perfect for doing just that! As you can see, my Lucy has NO PROBLEM chilling out under the Christmas tree. Thank goodness, she doesn't really play with the ornaments that much. This warm and tasty treat is super-simple to whip up with a few basic ingredients, and it literally tastes like a liquid form of my favorite holiday candy! It's been chilly here in San Antonio this week, so this white cocoa is a fantastic way to warm up and wind down after dinner. I poured my cocoa into a festive holiday mug and topped it with whipped cream and crushed peppermint. Don't worry...drinking this only makes you FEEL naughty. I promise you can drink it and still stay on the Nice List!!
Peppermint Hot White Cocoa
adapted from Epicurious
Step 1: Add 2 cups 2% milk and 1 cup half and half to a medium saucepan. Turn the heat to medium and bring to a simmer. Whisk in 3/4 cup of white chocolate chips until they’re melted evenly into the milk. Add ½ tsp. peppermint extract and stir to combine.
Step 2: Ladle the cocoa into three coffee mugs. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle some crushed peppermint on top. If you're not into white chocolate, or you prefer old-school cocoa...simply sub in your favorite chocolate chip. I won't tell!
That’s it…it only takes about 10 minutes to put this tasty holiday treat together! This stuff is so freaking good...I especially love to have this minty white cocoa with buttered toast. To me, there's nothing more comforting after a stressful day to fire up a favorite Christmas cartoon -- Charlie Brown Christmas, anyone? -- and have a mug of this cocoa and buttered toast. I'm going to try to get by here on Saturday to post once more before Christmas. Just in case, though? I'm going to say Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays now...
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