Spiced Hot Chocolate -A Late Taste of Winter

There is nothing quite like a cup of Spiced Hot Chocolate sipped beside a warm fire. This recipe is rich and delicious while still frothy and fun. Dress it with a spoon of marshmallow crème or whipped cream sprinkled with cinnamon or chili pepper.

Quietly

Something amazing happened this morning. Just as predicted, I woke to a late February dusting of snow on the rooftops, the tree branches and the road in front of our house. As the sun approached the horizon I could see the tiny flakes falling outside the window and clinging thickly to whatever they came in contact with.

The blue-gray half-light of dawn shown like silver falling on the frosted landscape. It was eerie and lovely. Just looking out at it brought me a special sense of joy.

The quiet hush of the snow fell so perfectly on my ears that I was thrilled when I looked up the closing list and found local schools were out for the day. There was no one to wake and no where we had to go. The quiet lingered throughout the morning as the snowflakes danced across my lawn.

Celebrating a Special Gift

This day was a gift. A late season opportunity to find joy in winter even as we see signs of spring beneath the snowfall. The snow rests as a pristine backdrop to the tulips and daffodils that grace my kitchen table. It frosts the yellow fringe of witch hazel blossoms on the side of the house and my neighbor’s freshly opened crocus blossoms.

While spring breaks open, winter offers its own generous window dressing and gives us a day or two to stop and marvel at its beauty. There is no better way to do that than with a hot cup of chocolate sipped beside a warm fire. This recipe is rich and delicious while still frothy and fun. Dress it with a spoon of marshmallow crème or whipped cream sprinkled with cinnamon or chili pepper.

Better yet, stir it with a candy cane, if you can still find one, and do what my son suggested this afternoon; listen to Christmas carols. When I asked him why, he explained, “It didn’t snow at Christmas.” I thought that was perfect. Isn’t catching up on the overlooked details and capturing the moment what snow days are all about?

More Hot Chocolate

If Spiced Hot Chocolate isn’t quite what you are looking for here are a few more ideas from My Own Sweet Thyme:

• Try a cup of thick, rich Spanish Hot Chocolate. This drink is perfect for sipping or dipping. It is a bit more like a snack or dessert than a beverage. Serve it with Whipped Cream or S’mores Style, with marshmallows and graham crackers for dipping.
• Not a fan of Hot Chocolate? Try a cup of amazing Whipped Dalgona Coffee. It takes only four basic ingredients you probably have on hand.
• How about some Brownies? Mexican Hot Chocolate Iced Brownies begin with a layer of rich chocolate brownie flavored with cinnamon and chile powder and then add a spicy chocolate cream cheese frosting.
• Or, if enough snow should fall, don’t miss out on the opportunity to make a delightful bowl of Snow Cream.

Enjoy! 

Spiced Hot Chocolate

Course: Beverage, BreakfastCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

5

minutes

Total time

15

minutes

This recipe is rich and delicious while still frothy and fun. Dress it with a spoon of marshmallow crème or whipped cream sprinkled with cinnamon or chili pepper.

Ingredients

• 4 cups whole milk

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 2 whole cloves

• 1/2 vanilla bean (or a small splash of vanilla extract)

• 2-3 drops almond extract

• 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate chips

• Whipped cream, marshmallow creme or marshmallows (if desired)

• A sprinkle of cinnamon or ground chipotle chile pepper

Directions

• In a small saucepan combine the milk, vanilla bean, cinnamon and cloves. Heat the spiced milk mixture until near boiling. Remove from heat.
• Remove the cinnamon and cloves. Split the vanilla bean and scrape the seeds into the milk mixture. Discard the pod.
• Whisk the chocolate chips into the milk mixture until melted and smooth. Add the almond extract and (vanilla extract if you didn’t use the vanilla bean.)
• Using a stick blender, blend the hot chocolate in the saucepan until frothy. Pour into mugs. Top with marshmallow creme or whipped cream and a pinch of spice, if desired.
• Serve and enjoy!