‘This is the most wonderful time of the year! When it comes to the holiday season, my usual minimalist trend makes things a bit more holiday-friendly. Being with my closest friends and family means I do my best to celebrate my time with them, and for me that has always meant gathering around food. Between quick dinner of the week With family friends and holiday get-togethers, I’m always looking for fun new ways to add a special element to time spent with the people I love. And during this time of year, adding a cozy touch to the holiday with a table of hot chocolate feels super special.
Have a lot of Holiday cookies and snacks around this time of year, so when it comes to dessert, I’m not nearly as excited. I know, it’s offensive for me to admit it because my sweet tooth is almost second to none. That doesn’t mean I’m going to skip dessert, but it does mean I want to open up my options for a dinner. A cup of hot chocolate feels appealing and sweet without being overpowering. The hot, rich cocoa feels like the perfect sleeping mug that helps satisfy chocolate cravings in the warmest of ways — especially when you can’t look at anything else. Christmas cookies. Even better when you make your own hot chocolate mix!
Here’s my recipe for a great holiday hot chocolate board:
- Hot Cocoa Mix (see recipe below!)
While you can have your cocoa ready to boil on the stove, it’s also fun to leave a large jug or bowl of cocoa mixture on or near the table with a warm milk/hot water ready. After that, people can serve themselves hot and cold chocolate cups. - mashmallow
These days, there are many marshmallow options. From vegan options to chocolate-covered versions and even flavored versions, the choices are endless. And now it’s time to grab all the favorites! I have chosen various sizes and shapes for this table to not only add visual interest, but also let people lay out their cocoa cups just the way they like it. From packed to brimming with classic mini ducklings, to my friends who just love a big marshmallow to melt into their cocoa, everyone will be ecstatic with the choices they make. choose. - Sauce
Having sauces and whipped cream as a board ingredient really puts your cocoa on top. Drizzle chocolate sauce over the bottom of the cup for an extra dose of chocolate, or drizzle salted caramel sauce over the rim of the cup for something exotic. - Peppermints and Candy Canes
Not everyone agrees that mint and chocolate go hand in hand. I’ve been firmly in the mint chocolate camp and welcome all to join me. Hanging a lollipop next to your cup also makes it feel like a special occasion, plus they also act as a drink stirrer. - Cookies and chocolates
This is more for fillers. As much as I love a cookie and candy board for this time of year, keep them to a minimum here. They should act as a secondary alternative to cocoa. Think chocolate-covered balls that act as a drink stirrer and truffles can be put into a cocoa mug to make twice as much chocolate.
Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa and remember to save some for Santa this holiday season!
