Adult hot chocolate is rich, creamy, and thick, boozed up with alcohol and topped with fresh whipped cream dollops. Not for little kids, just the grown up kind.
I'm having a bah humbug moment. As I type this I am listening to Christmas carols but there is still no tree gracing my living room with pine needles everywhere. There is nothing wrapped. There is no holiday menu planned. I've cooked today, cleaned today been to the market today, and really I am not feeling it. Which is not like me at all.
Normally I am a Christmas fanatic. One of those insanely perky people who will wish random strangers Merry Christmas and dance about with my Santa hat on with no fear of judgement from anyone.
This year its not there. This year a lot collided with the holiday season and even though it really has nothing to do with me - it's screwing with my jingle. So please, forgive this post of pure honesty and enjoy the snacks.
And while I'm ranting because I am downright cranky. Slow down in parking lots people. I get that it's the Super Walmart, the only Target for miles or just the local gas station - But pedestrians have the right of way. The spot you eye'd up while patiently waiting in traffic may indeed not be there for you after I safely cross the street but there will be another, and probably not that far from where you hoping. Heaven forbid I sped past you as you were having trouble trying to push that cart - you would have words for me that I haven't heard since high school, but when you're behind the wheel it's a different story.
I realize this is not the time of year to whine. I am probably on the naughty list for 2012 now, but it's really really screwing with my holiday mojo and making it hard to find the same joy that I normally do in those small things that make Christmas matter.
Ok, now that I got that out of my system. I'll be giving myself a swift kick in the pants and perking up on PtS, I promise.
I think a mug of boozy, adult hot chocolate is in order.
Rich n' Thick Adult Hot Chocolate
From Southern Living Jan 2009
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoon cornstarch
- 4 cups milk, divided
- 7 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ½ cup Southern Comfort, Bailey's, pumpkin liquor or peppermint schnapps
- Pinch of salt
- Whipped Dollops
Preparation:
Whisk together cornstarch and ½ cup milk until smooth.
Cook remaining milk in a large, non-aluminium saucepan over medium heat until bubbles appear around the edge of the saucepan, about 4 minutes. Be careful not to boil.
Whisk in chocolate, honey, vanilla, liquor, and salt until blended and smooth. Whisk in cornstarch mixture. Bring milk mixture to a boil, whisking continuously.
Remove from heat. Let cool slightly before serving in mugs with whipped dollops or mini marshmallows.
Whipped Dollops
Ingredients:
- 1 cup frozen whipped topping, thawed
- ¼ cup desired toppings
- candied ginger
- peppermint sprinkles
- Andes mint chips
- mini chocolate chips
Preparation:
Line a baking pan with parchment paper. Place 8 spoons on pan. Freeze 15 minutes.
Spoon whipped topping into a zip-lock bag and do not seal. Using scissors, cut a corner off, about ½ inch. Twist the bag and pipe dollops onto the spoons. Stick in freezer 5 minutes to firm up.
Remove from freezer and sprinkle dollops with about 1 ½ teaspoon desired topping. Place back in the freezer for another 45 minutes before serving.
These can be covered and kept frozen up to 2 days.
Just as a side note: Handsome, I hope you're not planning on getting me any new knives for Christmas. A, we have too many. Sure I could use some nice ones but that would require us to get ride of at least one of the three sets we own. So unless you are ready to say your goodbyes, don't. B, I will use any new sharp objects to bring the fury of Hell into that blasted alarm clock you insist hitting snooze on at least three times before stirring... on Saturdays.
Ok, done. Swear.
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
Aww yeah. This is my kind of drink!
ping says
Oh hey! Have a cup of that lovely chocolate you'd just made. That should make you happier. Chocolate is feel good food! You don't want a lump of coal in your stocking this year. Shhh ... actually, I haven't got into the mood til lately, so, yeah, like you, no presents bought, no tree, no menu yet. Getting there ... sloooowwly.
Pam @ From Apples To Zucchini says
I'll have to make this, but make the pg version so my lil guy can have some. Looks unbelievably sinful!
Kiri W. says
Wow, that looks amazingly thick and dark 🙂 Just my kind of chocolate.
I'm sorry you're not in prime Christmas condition - I usually am not until much closer to the date, but I hope you feel better soon!
Erin says
I want to have hot chocolate at your house. Always.
RavieNomNoms says
Yes please!! I am sorry you are missing your jingle this year. Maybe you will find it in the coming weeks. Have you ever seen the Target lady commercials? Whenever I am feeling a little like I am losing my Christmas spirit I look her up. Check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mhrsCFAmYs&feature=related
Pate a Chew says
This looks AWESOME! I understand the crankiness, I get like that too sometimes! At least you have this marvelous drink to cheer you up ...
Nami | Just One Cookbook says
Hope you are getting Christmas spirit soon - it's never been late. This is such a fancy hot chocolate treat. 🙂
Steph@stephsbitebybite says
I feel the exact same way! I don't know what it is, but I just can't get in the Christmas mood this year. Bleh. But, can I just say that these are freaking rediculous!! Must eat five of them before the New Year's Resoultions kick in 🙂 LOL!
Grubarazzi (@Grubarazzi) says
another set of knives. haha. story of my life. what a thick and yummy drink!
kimberly (unrivaledkitch) says
I'm not too much in the Christmas Spirit either it's weird. But I'm trying to force myself to get there lol how terrible is that? When I go to my mom and dads on Wednesday and put up their tree i think it will really feel like Christmas then. I love hot cocoa and with booze in it even better.
Yuri - Chef Pandita says
Oh I'd love a cup of hot chocolate right now! Hope you get your christmas mojo soon, and now that you mentioned it, I do need new knives...
Liz says
If anything will bring you out of your funk, this marvelous hot chocolate will. I just have WAY too much to do...and it takes the fun out of the season. I'm sure I'll be in the mood soon enough 🙂 Hope you will, too!!! xo
Janet@FCTC says
These looks sooo good, Kita! Think anyone would notice if I were to make the dollops, eat them all then just leave the spoons? I could tell them I was being nice and setting out spoons for them to stir the chocolate with.
As for whining, we all do it. That's what we're all here for... so you have people to vent to. 🙂
*hugs*
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says
Your crankiness made me laugh 🙂 Sorry but it's true. And what's with people waiting for the closest spot when there's plenty further back. Wouldn't it do most people good to walk a little bit more? btw I now want hot chocolate. :p
Kim Bee says
I've felt like ranting lately too. Must be something in the air. For us life is just messing with my Christmas mojo. Usually I am chipper as a...well, chipmunk I suppose. This year, not so much. I could happily tie the store elves shoelaces together and not even feel bad. Hope you snap out of it soon, me as well. As for the recipe well I am beyond words on this one. It's gorgeous. What I really want to know is how many times did you have to refill the spoons cuz you kept eating the dollops before shooting the pic? It'll just be between you and me, no one else will know. Lol!
Laurie {Simply Scratch} says
I love this idea! SUPER creative! I MERRY CHRISTMAS KITA!! Xo 🙂
Ann says
The snack looks delicious and I'm sorry you had a bad day. Merry Christmas my friend and here's hoping tomorrow is better! Hugs!
Emily @ Life on Food says
I hope the rest of the days leading up to Christmas shape up for you. Some people can really suck the fun out of it though when you are out and about this time of year.
Loving the hot chocolate...its just how I like it, rich, thick and lots and lots of chocolate. Yummy!
Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen says
I have no words. Except that I wish we lived closer...
Beth Michelle says
Ah this looks so good. Bet it can get anyone out of a bah humbug moment!
Culinary Cache says
Such a great idea, I will have to definitely try these for my next get together.
Lu Ann P says
Just came across your site via link from HuffPost. The recipe looks fab and I'll try it on Vday regardless of 65 degree temp cuz it sounds delish! Your 'tude, however, was amazing to read. I do hope your holiday improved dramatically but I enjoyed your brilliant, albeit cutthroat, honesty. Not every holiday can be Norman Rockwell, and that's ok too. REFRESHING!