Snow Memories

Last week we had our first snowfall of the season.  Watching the flakes fall and accumulate took me back to my childhood and all the joy that the snow brought to me.  There were snow men and snow forts constructed in our yard and just a couple blocks away there was a great sledding hill on Pennsylvania Avenue.  The town would block off the cross streets so we could go for blocks down hill.

     And of course after all that winter activity I always looked forward to a mug of steaming hot chocolate with those little marshmallows floating on top.  It was a celebratory ending to a wonderful day outdoors.



     That classic treat has undergone some significant tweaking since my childhood, however.  How about serving up some cardamom hot chocolate, or adding some salted caramel made with Maldon sea salt flakes?  Ever try some red velvet hot chocolate, or including a pinch of lavender buds to the steamy warm mixture?

     The website A Beautiful Mess offers up this recipe for Aztec Hot Chocolate:

Aztec Hot Chocolate Recipe

Is it too soon for hot chocolate? As soon as September 1st hits I am so in the mood for warm drinks and cozy blankets, no matter the temperature outside. Call me crazy, but dude, it's time for Fall! One of my all time favorite drinks for the season is hot chocolate. We love classic hot chocolate but here's a fun way to spice it up!Aztec Hot Chocolate, makes 4 servings.

Needed: 6 cups milk, 10 ounces chopped dark chocolate, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, a pinch or two of cayenne (optional) and marshmallows/cinnamon sticks for garnish.

In a pot combine the milk and chocolate. Melt the chocolate over low/medium heat, stirring constantly. Once melted and the mixture is warmed through stir in the cinnamon and cayenne (if using). Serve hot! I love to serve these with giant marshmallows and a few cinnamon sticks. Have fun spicing up your hot chocolate this season! xo. Emma

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