Hot Chocolate

One of my favorite ways to start the holiday season is with a cup of hot chocolate in my hands while watching The Holiday, and ideally it is snowing outside. This recipe comes together in minutes on the stove with ingredients you likely have in your pantry. For a nod to The Holiday, I top the hot chocolate with five baby marshmallows, per Graham. For an extra festive version, add a candy cane to each mug and stir for a peppermint twist. To make a lavender hot chocolate (I had this in NYC at MAMAN a few years ago and it was so good,) sub the maple syrup with 2 tablespoons of my lavender honey syrup. 

1 cup milk

1 tablespoon unsweetened cacao or cocoa powder

1 tablespoon real maple syrup

2 tablespoons chocolate chips

a drop of vanilla extract

5 baby marshmallows (optional)

In a small saucepan over medium low heat, mix the milk, cacao, and maple syrup. Heat until warm, do not boil. Add in the chocolate chips and stir until melted. Stir in the drop of vanilla. Pour the mixture into an 8 oz mug and top with marshmallows if desired.

Serves 1