Monday, January 30, 2012

Fancy Pants Hot Chocolate


Although Boston has been less-than-frigid this past week, I'm never one to hesitate from indulging in a soothing cup of hot chocolate. Inspired by a gift of delicious homemade hot chocolate mix from a friend, I've been finding new ways to spice up my plain old Swiss Miss:

1. Almond Extract. I've inherited this first one from my mom (who keeps almond extract in her purse for plain lattes picked up on the go). I am the next Alexander that will add almond extract to just about everything from my morning coffee to late-night hot chocolate.

2. Coconut Extract. On a similar note, if dreams of tropical climates are what keep you warm in January, I also keep coconut extract on hand for hot chocolate and whatever else I deem needs some summer-y flavor.

3. Orange zest. Oranges are one of my favorite fruits, so when they're in season I can't help but use them in everything I cook. Orange zest is no exception, which makes ordinary hot chocolate nothing short of magical.

4. Nutella. Inspired by Nutella Hot Chocolate at the Crepe place down the street from me, I added an embarrassingly brilliantly large spoonful of Justin's Chocolate Hazelnut Butter to tonight's hot chocolate. The extra-saltiness of Justin's is the perfect accent to a warm cup of sweet hot chocolate.

Any brilliant additions out there I should know about?

Photo of Mexican Hot Chocolate from Hilah Cooking.

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