When the anticipation gets to be too much for excited children . . . or adults, plan an after-dinner treat of hot cocoa. There is nothing like warming hand around a mug of chocolate sweetness, sharing memories, and thinking about the reason for the season before bedtime. The peppermint stick makes a great stirrer. I've noticed they also sell peppermint chocolate candy canes, too, which might enhance the final product even more.
Peppermint cocoa
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 cup white sugar
1 pinch salt
1/3 cup boiling water
3 ½ cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup half-and-half cream (or splurge and go with cream!)
Peppermint candy canes
Whipped cream
Mix the cocoa, sugar, and salt in a pot. Stir in the boiling water and whisk to get all the lumps out. Pour in the milk and stir to mix. Slowly bring to a simmer, stirring as needed. When the cocoa is hot, add the vanilla and cream of choice. Bring back to serving temperature.
Pour into cups and top with whipped cream and stick in a candy cane for stirring. Your house will smell festive . . . and it tastes good, too!
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