hot chocolate...

hot chocolate,  one of my all time favorites for snuggling up on a frosty winter's night...
 i do love william sonoma's hot chocolate and it's an annual tradition to stock up on some with the large square marshmallows. another one to try is starbucks hot chocolate with salted caramel, yum.  but to change it up a bit or to give your hot chocolate a wow factor try  some of these options. these little touches are easily

put together with a few ingredients from around the kitchen.  well worth the smiles you will receive.

chocolate Lover’s dream

beat 1 cup heavy cream, ¼ cup chocolate syrup and 1 tbs. confectioners’ sugar until stiff.

yummy almond
beat 1 cup heavy cream, 2 tbs. confectioners’ sugar and 1 tbs. almond liquer or ¼ tsp. almond extract until stiff.

brown sugar
beat 1 cup heavy cream, 2 tbs. packed dark brown sugar and 1 tsp. vanilla extract until stiff. delicious on hot chocolate also good for brownies.

cool citrus
beat 1 cup heavy cream, 3 tbs. confectioners’ sugar and 1 tsp. grated lemon or orange zest until stiff.  can also use this on top of pound cake and puddings.


cinnamon spice
beat 1 cup heavy cream, 3 tbs. granulated sugar, ½ tsp. vanilla extract and ¼ tsp. ground cinnamon until stiff. makes gingerbread or a fancy coffee drink special.

sweet jam
beat 1 cup heavy cream, 2 tbs. confectioners’ sugar and 2 tbs. seedless jam until stiff.
great on biscuits, waffles or french toast.

each makes 2 cups.