Mint hot chocolate with chocolate dipped candy cane

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2689/4195714786_ba257674b3.jpg

INGREDIENTS:

DIPPED PEPPERMINT CANDY ~
Candy canes or Peppermint candy sticks
Chocolate (Such as milk chocolate chips)

HOT CHOCOLATE ~
Pre-packaged hot chocolate drink mix OR
1/2 cup sugar
4 cups milk
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/3 cup hot water
3/4 tsp  Vanilla extract
1/2 tsp mint extract OR
3    tbsp crushed peppermint candy or candy cane  OR
2-3 tbsp white creme de menthe
dash salt
Mini Marshmallows or sweetened whipped cream (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Melt some of your favorite chocolate (like milk chocolate chips) in the microwave for a minute.
2. Dip one or both sides of the candy into the chocolate.  
3. Lay on wax paper to cool and harden.
4. Prepare packaged hot chocolate, OR...  
5. Stir together sugar, cocoa and salt in a medium saucepan.
6. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil.
7. Boil and stir 2 minutes.
8. Add milk, stirring constantly.
9. Heat to serving temperature. Do not boil.
10. remove from the heat.
11. Add vanilla extract and mint extract OR crushed peppermint candy OR creme de menthe.
12. Blend or whisk until foamy.
13. Serve topped with marshmallows or whipped cream (if desired).
14. Use dipped candy canes to stir your hot chocolate.

Note: Chocolate candy canes can also be used to enhance a variety of coffee flavors.

Yields 4- 8 oz servings.
Until next time, when we can chit-chat again! 
~T.

Eggnog

Photo from: http://image.shutterstock.com

INGREDIENTS:
6    eggs
1    can of sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
1    tsp vanilla extract
1    quart milk
1/3 pint heavy whipping cream
1    pinch salt
      nutmeg

DIRECTIONS:

1. Beat eggs.
2. Mix in condensed milk, vanilla, milk and salt.
3. Beat the whipping cream until soft peaks form.
4. Fold the cream into the egg & milk mixture.
5. Served chilled and sprinkled with nutmeg. 

Until next time, when we can chit-chat again! 
T.

Stout Jim AKA Guinness Shake

This may not sound very appealing to you but trust me this adult shake will surely leave you smiling.

1 bottle Guinness stout
1/4 pint of chocolate ice cream

(you can substitute vanilla ice cream;

you can add a dash of nutmeg

&/or cinnamon)

Add all ingredients to the blender,

then blend and pour into a clear glass photo: via www.sixthseal.com

and enjoy!!

(You can garnish with mint &/or whip cream topping.)

Until next time, when we can chit-chat again!

~T.

Jamaican Rum Punch

Jamaican Rum Punch

1 part sour,

2 parts sweet,

3 parts strong,

and 4 parts weak,

Mix it up and you get

Jamaican rum punch!!!

If it's not already obvious,

this recipe is for ADULTS ONLY!

INGREDIENTS:

1 Cup Lime or lemon juice (sour)

2 Cups Syrup (such as Grenadine, etc.) (sweet)

2 Cups Jamaican White Rum (Such as JayWray & Nephew) (strong)

1 Cup Light Rum (strong)

2 Cups Pineapple Juice (weak)

2 Cups Orange Juice (weak)

Sprinkle angostura bitters

Combine at least an hour before serving. Serve in a punch bowl with ice ring &/or Orange slices, cherry halves and pineapple slices. This will serve 18-20 people.

*** Note: 1 Cup Light Rum can be exchanged for additional cup Jamaican white Rum.

Photo from: http://lenaskitchen.wordpress.com

Until next time, when we can chit-chat again!

~T.