Spiced Stovetop Hot Chocolate and Homemade Ornaments

 

WARNING: This is a long one so if you are just looking for hot chocolate feel free to scroll to the bottom!

 I never really looked forward to Thanksgiving very much when I was younger, but what I did look forward to were the days shortly following. My mom always made decorating for Christmas into a special day all its own. We would open all the boxes and reminisce about each treasured decoration. Christmas music would play in the background while my mom laid out some yummy things to munch on as we decorated. I have carried on this tradition with my own family, but instead of snacks we have a special hot chocolate. I am excited to share this recipe with you today, and hope you enjoyed decorating your own tree! 

This year we got to attend a 'trees for heroes' event put on by the USO. We went to a local German tree farm and cut down our own tree, then enjoyed some kinderpunsch (spiced cider) and crepes. We also made some homemade ornaments this year. I have included some directions at the end of the post. 

This recipe just takes a few minutes and turns out delicious! My daughter really enjoyed getting to help as well. You could also create a hot chocolate bar with marshmallows, candy canes, etc. 

Ingredients

Makes 4-6 servings 

• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 1/4 cup of unsweetened baking cocoa
• 1/3 cup of water
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 
• 1/2  teaspoon nutmeg 
•  4 cups of milk 
• Whatever add-ons you would like 

Directions 

Place sugar, cocoa, water, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small to medium sized saucepan. Heat on low, stirring constantly until mixture looks smooth. 

Once smooth, heat to a low boil and then reduce heat. Simmer for about 4 minutes, continue to stir constantly. 

Stir in the milk and continue to heat on low. Once it is warmed through, pour into mugs and top with whatever you would like! We prefer mini marshmallows. 

Ornament Directions 

Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. Slice as many oranges as you would like into slices. Make them as thin as possible. Place them on a drying rack on top of a cookie sheet (otherwise they will stick). Leave for 2-3 hours and turn 2-3 times, checking frequently. They may still be slightly moist, but will continue to dry out of the oven. Place twine or ribbon through the center, or make a small hole at the top. 

We also dried some pinecones as well. Soak the pinecones in water and 1/2 cup vinegar for about 20 minutes (this helps kill anything gross hanging around). Place them on some newspaper and dry overnight. Line baking sheet with parchment or foil and bake for several hours at 200-250 degrees F. Check them frequently while baking as they can be flammable. You will know they are completely dry when they are fully opened. Tie twine or ribbon around the top and hang! 

We had a great time decorating our tree with these while we listened to some Christmas records, and enjoyed our hot chocolate. 

My husband and I also wrote a little poem about our tree buying experience...

December 6th, it’s time to see which one will be our Christmas tree. We go to choose and walk around until the perfect one is found. One is too wide one is too small, one is over 8 feet tall. That is the one my husband sees and says “it is the king of trees! we must have it at once!” and he begins to saw. I say it won’t fit, but am ignored by all. We tie it down and bring it home. My husband carries it up alone. He enters the kitchen and I hear a chuckle as the tip of the tree hits the roof and buckles. “Is it too tall?” I ask, as I open my wine. “Once I cut 2 feet off it will be just fine”.

Perhaps next year we will get a tree that is small. But for now this tree is perfect. Merry Christmas to all!

Hope you continue to enjoy this holiday season! From our family to yours, have a very Merry Christmas! 

Spiced Stovetop Hot Chocolate 

Miz Helen's Country Cottage- Lauren 

Ingredients 

Makes 4-6 servings

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened baking cocoa
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 
• 4 cups of milk 
• whatever add ons you would like 

Directions 

1. Place sugar, cocoa, water, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small-medium sized saucepan. Heat on low, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth. Then bring to a low boil. 
2. Lower heat and simmer for about 4 minutes, stirring constantly. 
3. Mix in milk on low heat and bring to desired temperature. 
4. Serve, and enjoy!

Print Recipe