I can’t help it; somehow chocolate and peppermint make their way into almost everything this time of year. Cookies, cakes, candy—it is all laced with the mint-chocolate combo. Hot chocolate is no exception. After a whole week of negative temperatures, I couldn’t help myself; I needed everything to be warm and comforting. So I chopped some chocolate, added a little peppermint and milk, and gathered the family around. We sipped our tasty drinks and finally felt some holiday cheer.

Ingredients: Peppermint Hot Chocolate

• 3 ounces chocolate (milk, semi-sweet, or bittersweet), finely chopped (see note)
• 1 ounce white chocolate (optional)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup half and half
• ½ teaspoon vanilla
• ¼ teaspoon to ½ teaspoon peppermint extract (see note)
• Pinch of salt

This is good with just dark chocolate, but white chocolate adds a nice creaminess and sweetness to the drink. If you do use the white chocolate, you may want to decrease the dark chocolate to 2 ounces (the adults thought it a bit too sweet with all 3 ounces, but the kids thought it was perfect). Peppermint extract is strong, so start with ¼ teaspoon and add more to taste.

Place the chopped chocolate, milk, vanilla, peppermint extract, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture frequently and heat until the chocolate is melted and smooth and has completely incorporated the milk. Divide the hot chocolate into two glasses and top with peppermint whipped cream (the recipe is below). Add a candy cane to the glass and serve!

Ingredients: Peppermint Whipped Cream

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon peppermint extract

Add cream, sugar, and peppermint extract to a chilled mixer bowl. Beat on low speed until small bubbles form, about 30 seconds. Increase speed to medium and continue beating, about 30 seconds. Increase speed to high and continue beating until cream is smooth, thick, and nearly double in volume, about 30 seconds.

Enjoy!