Happy Monday, babes! Are you getting into the holiday spirit yet? This weekend was so festive for the hubs and me. We went gift shopping, planned our cookie/holiday treat menu, and got everything squared away for our trip home for Christmas as we watched the snow fall outside. We even switched out our Netflix for Christmas carols by the light of the tree. And yesterday I whipped up this easy peppermint hot chocolate to warm our bones.

I created this recipe last year, and was so ready to bust it out again. It’s creamy, chocolatey, and has that refreshing hit of peppermint that always gives me the warm & fuzzies. Better yet, it takes ten minutes to make, so it’s a treat you can put together for your family or friends without much work at all.

In other news, we have our first holiday party this week, and are pumped. We’re also going to see a performance of The Messiah on Wednesday at Lincoln Center annnnnnd we’re planning to share a special Christmas song with you on Instagram live this week! I’ll be sining and Rich will be accompanying me with his sax, so stay tuned for that. You’ll either get to see us pull it off or make complete fools out of ourselves. Either way, it’ll be entertaining!

Here’s wishing you a great Monday (an even better one if you get on that easy peppermint hot chocolate!).

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

• 6 cups milk
• 8 squares Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark Chocolate (or 6 ounces peppermint bark chocolate)
• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoon sugar
• 2 candy canes, crushed

For The Whipped Cream:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Instructions

1. Heat the milk over medium heat until almost simmering. Whisk in the peppermint bark chocolate, then the cocoa powder and sugar.
2. Using a stand or hand mixer, whip the cream on low until bubbly, then high until soft peaks form. Add sugar and beat for a few seconds.
3. Pour hot chocolate into cups and top with whipped cream. Sprinkle on crushed candy canes and serve piping hot.