Karen Evans, author of StrictlySimpleStyle.Blogspot.com, shares an idea for one really HOT idea for a cold-weather party. This can be a perfect addition to an apres ski or sledding party, or the total focus of a winter gathering. How about hosting a HOT CHOCOLATE BAR?

The first thing to do is make up some extra special hot cocoa - maybe a couple different recipes. NO Nestle's Instant for this event! Below are a couple recipes that are so good, I want to be buried with them! They're sure to "WOW!" the most devoted chocolate fans at your party.

Then you need "add-ins." There is so much more you can add to a mug of hot chocolate besides the typical mini-marshmallows. The add-ins are limited only by your imagination. Really, what doesn't go well with chocolate? Fill clever containers with any of these delicious and unusual suggestions and get ready for some tasty fun!

Here are a few ideas, just to get you started:

Malted milk balls

Candy-coated chocolate pieces (M & Ms, for instance)

Cinnamon candies

Riesen's chocolate covered caramel candies

Chopped Milky Way candy bars

Chopped 3 Musketeers candy bars

Mint truffles

Homemade dressy marshmallows

Priouline cookies for swizzle sticks

Peppermint candy canes for swizzle sticks (maybe covered in chocolate!)

Cinnamon sticks for swizzle sticks

Caramel and chocolate-coated pretzel sticks for swizzle sticks

Flavored syrups

Sweetened (maybe even flavored) whipped cream

And here are just a few fun container ideas for holding your add-ins:

Now for my favorite from-scratch cocoa recipes - you'll likely want to double them. And by the way, you can freeze your cocoa in ice cube trays to use later. Once the cocoa is frozen solid, pop the cubes into freezer plastic bags and return them to the freezer. They'll keep nicely for a few months. I like to add cocoa cubes to my scalding mug of cocoa - the brew cools down quicker plus I have a double-whammy of cocoa bliss this way! (AND, if you have a Vitamix or Blendtec, you can always use these scrumptious cubes to make your own version of frozen hot chocolate as served at Manhatten's famous restaurant, Serendipity.)

Deep Dark Hot Chocolate

Nothing satisfies a chocolate-lover more than a mug of rich, extra chocolately hot cocoa!

Ingredients:
8 cups whole milk
4 cups heavy cream
4 cups bittersweet chocolate chopped
8 tablespoons light brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract


Directions:

In medium saucepan, warm milk and cream over medium-low heat. Add chocolate pieces and whisk until melted and combined. Add sugar, and whisk until dissolved. Stir until thickened, approximately 5 minutes. Remove from heat and mix in vanilla.

Recipe formatted with the Cook'n Recipe Software from DVO Enterprises.

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Snowy White Hot Chocolate

What a tasty and unique approach to a traditional cold-weather drink!

Ingredients:
4 cups white chocolate chips
4 cups heavy cream
16 cups half and half
2 teaspoons vanilla extract


Directions:

In medium saucepan over medium heat, combine white chocolate chips and cream. Stir continuously until chips have completely melted. Stir in half and half. Keep stirring until cocoa is heated through and reaches desired temperature for serving. Remove from heat and mix in vanilla.

Recipe formatted with the Cook'n Recipe Software from DVO Enterprises.

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