Now, I'm not going to tell you her name quiet yet, but if you've thought it's been a bit chilly these past few days, then you're already thinking in the right direction!
Now... back to the business at hand!
Ladies, we are officially within the Twelve Days of Christmas -cue live audience applause-, and I thought what better way to celebrate than to bring you our Twelve Must Haves of Christmas!
-cue live, LOUD, audience applause-
Yes, singlelistas, we've got all kinds of luxe recommendations in store for you, but today I thought we'd kick off this celebration with a little something special to warm your soul!
Now everybody knows that I'm a BIG fan of holiday cheer! And by cheer, I mean spirits! And by spirits, I mean something served in a sugar rimmed martini glass! But during the holidays I have another bev of choice, one that's reminiscent of my childhood days and reflective of an innocence now lost.
Aww..moment of silence for simpler days gone by...
Ok..moment over!
#12 Haute Chocolate
Yes, my loves during the Christmas season, I'm all about the cocoa and so item #12 on our list is a Haute Chocolate Bar!
Here's how it works:
Begin with your favorite base of chocolate. You can keep it classic by choosing a popular pre-packaged brand, such as Swiss Miss or Nestle, or you can opt for something a little more indulgent and begin with pure chocolate pieces from Godiva or Ghirardelli. It's one million percent up to you!
Next, set out as many types of fun chocolate toppings and mix-ins as your little childhood heart can dream of (what, you thought mixers were only for adult bevs? Please!). Think marshmellows, candy canes, toffee crumbles, fruit zests, ice cream, liquors, and more. Your imagination is the limit!
Then, set out all of the cutesy coffee mugs you can find (bonus points for mugs that are over sized, or decorated in festive holiday themes or sassy girly-girl phrases!).
Finally, invite all of your girlfriends in out of the cold for an evening of haute cocoa and girl talk--- singlelista style!
Now, I don't want to tell you how to do your cocoa, but I have a few chic suggestions for Haute Chocolate offerings that might help heat up your girls night!
Peppermint White Hot Chocolate
Ingredients:
8 oz white chocolate, chopped
3 1/2 cups milk
6 hard peppermint candies, crushed fine
1/2 tsp peppermint extract
2/3 cup whipping cream
Preparation:
Beat chilled cream with crushed mints until stiff peaks form. Refrigerate for about an hour. Meanwhile, heat milk to a simmer, them mix in chocolate. Whisk until chocolate is melted and smooth. Add mint extract and stir through. Pour into mugs and top with minty whipped cream.
Grand Marnier Hot Chocolate
Ingredients:
1 cup half n' half
2 cups milk
1/2 cup orange juice
6 oz bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
1/3 cup Grand Marnier
Preparation:
Heat half and half, milk, and orange juice until just boiling. In a mixing bowl, add about 2/3 cup of hot milk to the chocolate and whip smooth. Add the rest of the milk and whisk again. Simmer for around 2 minutes to reheat through. Add Grand Marnier and serve.
Spiced Hot Chocolate
Ingredients:
4 tablespoons cocoa powder, unsweetened
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
dash salt
1/2 cup hot water
3 1/2 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 cinnamon sticks
Preparation:
In a medium saucepan, combine cocoa, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir in the water. Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat. Boil, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Gradually stir in milk and continue to heat until heated through, stirring frequently. Do not boil. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Serve in mugs with cinnamon sticks. Makes 4 servings.
Hot Chocolate Float
Ingredients:
2 envelopes hot cocoa mix
2 cups warm water
2 scoops vanilla ice cream
Preparation:
Make hot chocolate as you normally would. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Serve in a mug with a chocolate dipped spoon for extra flair.
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Mmm... craving chocolate yet?
Feel free to take us up on these suggestions or you and your girlfriends come up with some of your own. The only must have ingredients are good girlfriends and frothy, melty chocolate.
With item #12 from out Twelve Must Haves of Christmas list, your holiday is sure to be off to a savory, steamy start!
Love life...every SINGLE moment of it!
-xoxo
