Yesterday was our first real snow storm. It has snowed a few times this year, but it has always been a small amount that quickly melted. Yesterday when we woke there was already 6 inches on the ground and it was still snowing. Even better, the temperature was dropping, so that meant the snow was going to stick around for a little while.
Snow is a mixed blessing. I love playing in it, but we live in the country, so snow also means a lot of extra work! After we came in from blanketing horses, I made candy cane hot cocoa to warm us all up.
Candy Cane Hot Cocoa is my favorite hot chocolate recipe. It is so easy to make and it has the perfect ratio of peppermint to chocolate going on. I make my peppermint hot chocolate using crushed candy canes and dark chocolate which creates cup of cocoa with a smooth texture and bold flavors.
I have shared a recipe that serves 4 people below, but you can easily make this for one person by combining 1 cup of milk, 1 crushed candy cane, and 2 tablespoons dark chocolate chips. Heat until the candy cane and chocolate have melted and the milk is hot, but not boiling and you have a warm cup of liquid awesomeness!
- 4 cups milk
- 4 candy canes, crushed
- 3 oz. dark chocolate (or ½ cup dark chocolate chips)
- 4 candy canes to use as stir sticks
- whipped cream
- crushed candy cane for garnish
- Add milk, crushed candy canes, and chocolate to a medium sauce pan.
- Cook over a medium flame, whisking occasionally as the candy canes and chocolate melt.
- As the candy and chocolate melt, whisk more vigorously to incorporate ingredients.
- Do not let the milk boil as that will cause it to form a skin.
- Divide the hot cocoa between 4 cups; top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes. Add a candy cane stirring stick.
More Hot Cocoa Recipes:
Mexican Hot Cocoa – A Spicy Hot chocolate Recipe
Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate – with 4 Dairy-Free Hot Cocoa Recipe Variations
How to Set Up a Hot Cocoa Bar – Plus 10 Hot Chocolate Recipes
Laurie says
I can’t wait to try this! I’m going to garnish it with these twisty candy canes from my new blog.
http://frostingandasmile.com/fun-candy-cane-shapes-and-swizzle-sticks/
Jenn T says
The candy cane cocoa sounds wonderful!! Just the thing you might want around a cozy fire pit during this cooler fall weather. Jenn T (www.backyardfirepitfun.com)