Most every tot we know is a fan of rich and creamy hot cocoa. What's a more satisfying way to warm up after an afternoon of playing in the cold? If you're tired of mixing up mug after mug of the same old powder and milk combo, give one of these sweet recipes a whirl. From an icy frozen concoction to hot chocolate donuts, there's something to indulge each and every sweet tooth!
During Winter, nothing epitomizes warmth more than a steaming cup of rich hot chocolate. This holiday, why not package that feeling for your loved ones by making a thoughtful homemade version of the stuff?
Unlike store-bought mix, which often tastes chalky and watered down, this edible gift is velvety in texture and pure chocolatey in flavor. This year, I'm making a large batch and distributing individually decorated packages of mix to members of my extended family. Keep reading to make your own version of this luscious-tasting hot chocolate mix.
With snow flurries and rain-filled clouds, nothing warms you up this Winter like a steaming cup of your favorite beverage. Whether you're sipping on a maple latte, spruced-up hot cocoa, or Earl Grey, I've found some artsy mugs with painterly designs for your toasty drink (or soup!) of choice. You could even use one of these pretties for serving chocolate cake. I especially love Etsy artist Yevgenia's botanical ceramic travel mugs, like this daisy one ($45), which has me dreaming of springtime flowers. To shop the rest of these handheld works of art, click on the images above!
More than 70 percent of the US is currently covered in snow! The weekend is upon us and that means lots of tots spending time outside sledding, building snowmen, and making angels in the snow. When all of the cold, outdoor fun is done, warm up your lil ones and their friends with a hot chocolate party that will get them toasty in no time. Using Smita Bhakta's Winter Warmer Party as our guide, check out our tips for everything you need to plan this tasty afternoon fete!
Photo courtesy of: The Party Wall
Chilly Winter weather means lots of warm-you-up liquids — be it creamy soups, steaming coffee, or rich hot cocoa for a sweet treat. If you're looking for some ways to keep hot chocolate from being ho-hum, I've gathered together recipes that will add a kick to your cup of cocoa. From liqueur to spices, here are 10 ways to jazz up your hot chocolate.
Talk to any Chicago foodie about desserts, and Mindy Segal's name will inevitably pop up. The pastry chef (and four-time James Beard Award nominee) opened her restaurant, Hot Chocolate, in 2004. And with a name like that, your signature dessert had better be pretty damn good. Fortunately, it is that and much more: rich, thick, and delicious. If you can't make it to the Windy City any time soon, you can bring the dessert to you with Mindy's Hot Chocolate blends ($20). As a former Chicagoan who misses Mindy's creations, I wanted to see if my at-home version could measure up to the restaurant's. To find out, keep reading.
Most of you aren't taken by the idea of a hot smoothie, but maybe the concept isn't too far off. This week, Jamba Juice introduced Hot Blends, a new line of organic hot blended beverages. The drinks, which are $2.95 for 12 ounces, come in four flavors: Heavenly Green Tea, Perfectly Chocolate Chai Tea, Original Spiced Chai Tea, and Classic Hot Chocolate. All are blended hot with nonfat, two percent, or soy milk. "Building on the spin of the blender and taking it from cold smoothies to hot beverages is something that hasn't been done before," the company said.
Jamba has also begun serving new scones and Mighty Leaf whole leaf teas in-store. Later this month it will expand its grocery offerings with smoothies in three of its most popular flavors: Razzmatazz, Mango-a-Go-Go, and Strawberries Wild. The make-at-home smoothie packs will come with frozen fruit, nonfat yogurt, and antioxidant boosts.
Sounds like Jamba Juice is firing back at other chains competing for market share in the recent fast food coffee drink and breakfast wars. I think the idea of hot blended drinks is silly — that's why it's never been done before! Do you agree?
When I imagine a Winter weekend getaway, it always involves a warm cocktail like a hot-buttered rum or Irish coffee. There's something so magical about sitting by a fire watching the snow fall, while sipping on a soothing potent drink.
This Saturday, I plan on stirring up a coffee and chocolate concoction. It's spiked with brandy and sweetened with cream, sugar, and vanilla. It's important to serve in heatproof glasses or mugs.
To check out the recipe and make this for your loved ones read more
Source: Flick users Charles Haynes and thedabble
Happy New Year! After the excitement of the holidays, January is a tough month for me — instead of partying, everyone is detoxing. That's why I'm going to focus on becoming a better home cook. Here you'll find six must-have items to maximize time in the kitchen.
