Sunday, February 13, 2011

Heartwarming Hot Chocolate Recipes

Certain events just call for that perfect drink. A margarita is a great way to celebrate a new promotion. That ice cold draught of water after a strenuous game of basketball refreshes like nothing else. And that fragrant cup of coffee first thing in the morning sets the tone for a successful day. But during those long, cold, wintery days, nothing satisfies like a rich cup of hot chocolate. It soothes your spirit, comforts your body with its warmth, and delights your taste buds with its decadent sweetness.

You can settle for store-bought instant cocoa, but why not try a few of these recipes and turn average, everyday cocoa into a heartwarming and delectable indulgence?

For an extra kick of creamy sweetness, add sweetened condensed milk. You can add it to taste to a single cup, or for a whole batch, add one can to 6 cups of hot water and powdered cocoa to your taste. To make it even more full-bodied and ensure a proper blending of flavors, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to the mixture. Be sure to stir continuously to mix it completely and to keep the water from boiling.

Another great variation is Mexican hot chocolate. To make this spicy delight, add a pinch each of ground cinnamon and chili powder to your cup and really heat up your day.

If you prefer white chocolate cocoa, give it a little kick by adding a pinch each of cayenne pepper and ground cinnamon. This is perfect for those long, cold afternoons when you want to savor each sip of your drink.

Hot chocolate packets make great as gifts or party favors, like chocolate wedding favors, or even birthday favors for celebrants during the winter season. No matter what the age, everyone enjoys a great cup of hot cocoa, not just for the taste but also for the feeling of comfort it brings. Whether spicy, white, or old-fashioned brimming with marshmallows, a cup of hot chocolate can work wonders on a cold winter day. So, the next time you crave a cup, why not try one of these flavorful twists and be inspired, too!

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