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!
