Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Nothing says the holidays like the smell of peppermint wafting through the air. However, I am not really a big fan of eating just plain peppermint things, but when you combine it with chocolate, count me in! During one of my (now routine) visits to Trader Joe's, I found this peppermint hot chocolate. I mean even though its still about 80 degrees here, how could I pass up hot chocolate? I decided that some hot chocolate would be the perfect way to kick off my Christmas decorating. I patiently waited for the water to heat up and then added it to the mix. There was this magical aroma that began to fill the air and even though the weather wasn't at all festive for the holidays, the hot chocolate most definitely was. The peppermint hot chocolate had a nice peppermint note in the background. The chocolate wasn't too sweet and the two were like a heavenly match. If you are a fan of peppermint and hot chocolate, you need to give this a try. It's so much better than the hot chocolate packets. So if your like me and don't have appropriate hot chocolate weather, just have some anyways!

Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

Fall is finally here! Though the weather in Houston only hints at fall, the weather in Tulsa was the perfect indication that it was very appropriate to break out the pumpkin recipes. While on one of my pinning sprees, I found this wonderful pumpkin spice hot chocolate recipe on Pinterest via Baking with Blondie. It's super simple to make and doesn't have any extra added sugar to it. What I have found is that the best way to make hot chocolate is on the stove because the ingredients seem to come together much better than in the microwave. Don't get me wrong. I am not knocking the microwave versions because sometimes that's all I have time for, but if you have the time this is the way to do it. 

This is made with skim milk (you can use your favorite kind), hot chocolate mix, pumpkin pie spice, a pinch of salt, pumpkin (not the pumpkin pie filling), and vanilla. I guess they recommend not using the pie filling because of the added ingredients or sugar, but I may just try it one time to see what happens. You start by whisking together the milk, hot cocoa, vanilla, and salt in a sauce pan over medium-low heat. 

 Next, you add in the pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice. Let it heat up and when the temperature is to your liking, start whisking away to incorporate. I started whisking as it was heating, and I think that the ingredients didn't incorporate as much as they should have. Now, I will be forced to try this recipe again to see if I can't get it down pat... oh shoot! Pour into cups and top with whipped cream and a few dashes of pumpkin pie spice and some marshmallows if you want. You can also make your own whipped cream (super simple to make), however, the kitchen I was in was definitely not equipped for that, so the store bought low-fat version had to suffice. To get the whipped cream recipe, click here.

The surprising thing I found was that it wasn't at all sweet except from the whipped cream. Much different from the usual sweetness of hot cocoa. It was definitely a perfect way to celebrate the start of fall and the colors and aroma were intoxicating. This is a great twist on a favorite holiday drink. Plus it gives you a reason to start drinking hot chocolate already, which is a perfect excuse for me!

Serepidity

When someone says Serendipity, a movie might pop into your head. However, it's the restaurant called Serendipity 3 that's featured in the movie that made it famous for me. Once you walk down the stairs, you see all the tables have these soda fountain type chairs and the decor is whimsical. They serve food, but I went for their one famous dessert... frozen hot chocolate! It is somewhat like the texture of a milkshake, but with ice chips in it. The chocolate flavor tastes more like a chocolate malt than a milkshake. It is served in a bowl and topped with a healthy dose of delicious whipped cream and freshly grated chocolate. It's so delicious, but something that you have to share! It's pretty addictive and definitely makes everyone's heads turn when they bring it out. Whenever you order one, someone at another table will ask you what it is. They have other flavors like mint and peanut butter chocolate, but we decided to stick to the original. It makes you feel like you are at an old school soda shop because you are sharing it with someone. I have to day that it's probably one of my favorite things and something that I need to work on recreating at home.

Basically, you need to share all of their desserts. This is the size of their sundaes and it's not a joke. It's like everything is larger than life. This was just plain vanilla ice cream with hot fudge, whipped cream, and of course a cherry. The hot fudge was more like partially melted chocolate that wasn't too sweet...definitely not the plain old fudge out of a squeeze bottle. When you order dessert, just know that you won't be finishing it. They are so good and reasonably priced. Though this place is a bit hidden, it is definitely worth going to. Plus it's open until midnight, so it's a great late night find. There may be a short wait, but I can guarantee you it's worth it! Make sure to stop by and try anything off the dessert menu because it all looks so delicious!