Holiday Hot Chocolates

Welcome back to ‘Baking Up A Storm’ – the column that’s all about baking and cooking.

As the weather is getting colder, what better way to spend the holiday season than snuggled up by the fireplace with a festive cup of hot chocolate. Well, you’re in luck because this week I’m going to share three recipes that will definitely bring you and your family holiday cheer!

Although I have tried many different hot chocolate recipes, these three have proven to be my favourite of the season!

TIP: Almond milk is a good substitution in any of these recipes for those who are lactose intolerant or prefer a milk alternative; it adds rich and creamy goodness to your drinks. 

1. Candy Cane Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

1 Cup of milk or almond milk

1 Packet (28 g) or 2 tablespoons of hot chocolate powder

1/4 Teaspoon of cinnamon

1 Candy cane

TIP: I like to use 1 packet of hot chocolate powder and 1 tablespoon of Nutella for a more chocolaty taste! 😛  

Directions:

• Pour the milk into a small saucepan on high heat
• Add in the cinnamon and whisk till combined
• Crush candy cane with a mortar and pestle or gently crush them in a zip lock bag with the base of a mug
• Add half of the crushed candy cane to the milk and stir
• Once the candy canes have melted add the hot chocolate powder and mix to incorporate
• When the milk starts to bubble and create steam take it off the heat and pour into your favourite mug
• Top with whip cream or marshmallows and more crushed candy canes and ENJOY!

2. Nutella Hot Chocolate 

Ingredients:

1 Cup of milk or almond milk

1/2 Teaspoon of cinnamon

2 Tablespoons of Nutella

Directions:

• Pour the milk into a small saucepan over high heat
• Add in the cinnamon and Nutella and whisk till the Nutella has melted
• When the milk starts to bubble and create steam take it off the heat and pour into your favourite mug
• Top with whip cream and chocolate shavings or an extra sprinkle of cinnamon and ENJOY!

3. Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

1 Cup of milk or almond milk

1 Packet (28 g) or 2 tablespoons of hot chocolate powder

1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon

A pinch of table salt (Approx. 1/8 teaspoon)

2 tablespoons of caramel sauce

Directions:

• Pour the milk into a small saucepan over high heat
• Add the cinnamon and salt followed by 1 tablespoon of the caramel sauce and whisk till combined
• When the milk starts to bubble and create steam remove from the heat and pour into your favourite mug
• Drizzle the inside of your favourite mug with the remaining tablespoon of caramel sauce and pour in the heated milk
• Top with whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, a sprinkle of salt, and ENJOY!