Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Got left over candy canes?... Peppermint and Marshmallow Hot Chocolate, perfect for cold weather.

 

Peppermint and Marshmallow Hot Chocolate







 
You have to try this easy and delicious hot chocolate. Its a perfect way to use any left over candy canes from Christmas, or after Christmas blow out sales. If you don't have access to candy canes you can use peppermint extract, or crushed up peppermint candies. It such a delicious and warm treat, perfect for a relaxing night by the fire.



 
 
 I like easy and inexpensive so I use hot chocolate mixes. I use one and a half pouches for each person. So if I'm only making some for myself and one other person I use 3 pouches to make it more chocolaty. You can make your own hot chocolate as well. Please feel free to email me or comment if you would like the recipe for homemade hot cocoa.


 


I like to use milk for my hot chocolate so its creamier. But in case you didn't know milk causes phlegm (mucus) so if you or someone you're making this is congested or sick you can use water, or a mix of milk and water. Since this is made on a stove and not in the microwave its really important to stir frequently so the milk doesn't boil. It should be hot but not boiling, otherwise it'll taste burnt. So cook it on medium high heat and keep your eye on it. Also very important this is a lot hotter than traditional hot chocolate you get at the baseball game, or the stuff you make in the microwave. So make sure to warn people to wait until it cools a bit so they don't burn off their taste buds. Add the hot chocolate mix and stir right away that way the flavors heat up with the milk and develop more. Its also easier for the powder to dissolve this way. Be sure to mix constantly so it doesn't burn and get stuck to the bottom of the pan.




Once the milk mixture has begun to warm up, and you can see small bubbles forming add the candy cane pieces or crushed peppermint candies. Make sure to crush up your candy canes, or peppermint candies into small pieces so they dissolve in the milk easier. Mix until they dissolve. Make sure milk mixture is not too hot. It should have small bubbles, and it's ok if it simmers a bit, but not big boiling bubbles or it will quickly boil over and burn.

 
 
 
 Adding marshmallows into the pot while its heating up makes the hot chocolate a lot creamier. Add marshmallows after you have the desired peppermint flavor, you can add as much or as little as you want. Stir constantly until marshmallows melt into the liquid.


 
 
Serve into cups, top with more marshmallows and a candy cane and enjoy!! Remember to let cool slightly and sip slowly so you don't burn your tongue. :)

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