As promised, another wonderful Christmas recipe. But this is a recipe for more of a cold weather treat than just a treat reserved for Christmas eve. Decadent hot chocolate. And when I say decadent, I mean DECADENT! I don’t even like most hot chocolate, but when made with this mix, I could easily become addicted. Seriously. Because this mix makes amazingly delicious hot chocolate. And all you add is boiling water to the mix. How cool is that?!

Now, what you need to realize right off the bat is that this is not an inexpensive hot chocolate mix to prepare. Because at least in my local grocery stores, I can never find powdered whole milk, really good unsweetened cocoa powder, or soft peppermint candy like See’s or King Leo’s. For these products I must go to Amazon or some other source that specializes in quality ingredients.   

And you know me. I’m not trying to be an elitist. It’s just that if you want good results from this recipe, you need to pay the price. You also need to know that the peppermint flavor is not going to knock you over. In fact, it’s almost unnoticeable. But what it brings to the mix is amazing. Then when topped with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles (sometimes called “jimmies” or “shots”), life just becomes wonderful. It immediately starts to snow. Not enough to stick, but enough to make you happy to be alive. Your favorite music starts running through your head. And if you happen to be blessed with teenagers, they ask you if they can please do the dishes after dinner. Just kidding. That would never happen. But I do promise you that a cup of this hot chocolate will absolutely lift your spirits.

So, I hope you give this recipe a try. And do consider building a batch and gifting some of the mix to a friend. A nice way to let someone know how much you care.

Well, that’s it for now. Mr. C. has a holiday gig tonight and I’m going along to further get in the mood for all the upcoming festivities. Presents are ordered. Holiday goody packages are either already sent or ready to be hand delivered. The live Christmas tree has been purchased, but so far has not been brought into the house. (All in good time Patti. All in good time.) And I now have the time to further get ready for Christmas without any immediate deadlines. So, I am well pleased to be able to take the evening off and listen to fun Christmas music.

May you too take the time to enjoy the holidays. For many of us it’s a frantic time trying to get everything done that we feel should be done. No one is going to know if everything isn’t checked off our lists. So, cut yourself as much slack as you would cut someone else. Make it a Christmas present to yourself.

And as always, peace and love to all. And Merry Christmas.

1 c. powdered whole milk

1 c. good unsweetened cocoa powder (I use a combination of Valrhona, Ghirardelli, and Dagoba

1 c. granulated sugar

½ tsp. kosher salt

½ c. miniature semi-sweet chocolate chips

heaping ½ c. semi-crushed peppermint candy (I use King Leo’s Soft Peppermint sticks) (Do not use regular inexpensive candy canes. They have no resemblance to good peppermint candy.)

Whisk the powdered whole milk, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, salt, and mini chocolate chips together in a mixing bowl. Break the peppermint sticks up a bit and place in your food processor. Whirl until the peppermint candy is mostly crushed. There will still be a few small pieces. Not a problem. Add the candy to the other ingredients. Mix all together. Store in an airtight container.

For each serving, place ¼ – ⅓ cup hot chocolate mix (depends on how rich you like your hot chocolate) in a mug and add 1 cup boiling water. Stir slowly until the mini chocolate chips are dissolved.

If you are totally into decadent hot chocolate, top with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles.