5 Days of Hot Chocolate

A Hint of Peppermint

This is my husband's favorite version of hot chocolate. Most recipes call for peppermint extract, but I like Martha Stewart's recipe which calls for slowly melting in real peppermint with the chocolate. Make sure you don't forget to set aside a bit of peppermint to enjoy on the side!

Peppermint Hot Chocolate by Martha Stewart
Serves 4

Ingredients:

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 quart milk

1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips (3 ounces)

7 peppermint sticks; 3 crushed (1/4 cup), 4 left whole

pinch of salt

Directions:

1. Place cocoa in a medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in milk until cocoa has dissolved. Add chocolate chips and crushed peppermint; simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until chocolate and peppermint have melted, 8 to 10 minutes.
2. Bring to a boil and immediately remove from heat. Add salt. Ladle into mugs; serve each with a peppermint stick.

"Caramels are only a fad. Chocolate is a permanent thing."
- Milton Snavely Hershey



Image via Martha Stewart