Winter has arrived and nothing is more welcoming to guests at an event than a hot cocoa beverage!  This is the perfect choice for a holiday party, wedding or just a night at home to enjoy while wrapping gifts!  This recipe can be made with or without alcohol, and either way it’s delicious!

Gourmet Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

3 ½ cups milk

¾ cup sugar

1 pinch salt

1/3 cup boiling water

¾ teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup half-and-half cream

¼ cup Peppermint Schnapps (optional)

Combine the cocoa, sugar and salt in a saucepan. Blend in the boiling water.  Bring this mixture to a boil while you stir.  Simmer and stir for 2 minutes.  Watch that it doesn’t scorch.  Stir in milk and heat until very hot, but don’t boil.  Remove from heat and add vanilla.  Divide between 4 mugs.  Add the cream to the mugs, which will cool it to drinking temperature.