Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Peppermint Hot Chocolate 

The weather - even here in Southern California - is finally getting cold and wintery. Okay cold-ish. And not very wintery. But it still makes me want to put on an extra pair of socks, curl up in bed with a warm mug and a good book and call it a night. Ever since I first whipped this recipe up a few weeks ago I've been coming back to this seasonal sipper on the regular because it's rich, chocolatey, and envelops you in sweet, decadent, Holiday-charged hug. Top it with a few marshmallows and DAMN GINA! You're gonna get just as addicted as I am, I just know it.
​We also have an option to make it lighter, if super rich, delicious, chocolatey drinks aren't your favorite. Of course, if those AREN'T your favorite kind of drinks, you're probably hanging out on the wrong blog. I should be eating more greens, but I love a good cup of liquid chocolate and I'm not shy about it. Anyway - you probably have all the ingredients for this drink on hand now, and if peppermint isn't your thing you can easily leave it out or substitute a flavored extract you prefer. Do you. And do this drink, 'cause it's damn good.
On that note, Happy Holidays! We'll be back after Christmas with a new recipe, but 'till then, we hope you get to spend your Christmas in whatever way you want to spend it and that you're taste-testing all of Santa's cookies. He doesn't need to eat 'em all anyway. 

Looking for a few last-minute Christmas goodies to munch? Check out our Savory Stuffed Mushrooms, milkshake-like Brandy Alexanders, and Gingersnap Buttercream Cookie Sandwiches! 

INGREDIENTS
1- 15 oz. can full-fat coconut milk
1 oz. (about 1/4 cup) chocolate chips OR chopped bar chocolate 
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
pinch of salt
mint leaves, for garnish
vegan marshmallows, if you like 'em

DIRECTIONS
In a medium saucepan whisk together the milk, sugar, and salt over low heat until the sugar dissolves. Whisk in the other ingredients and cook until hot - NOT boiling. Pour into a large mug, top with marshmallows and a fresh sprig of mint, and enjoy! 

​NOTES
Makes 1 large or 2 smaller mugs of cocoa. 

For a lighter cup of hot chocolate, sub your favorite non-dairy milk in place of the coconut milk.

For a plain mug of cocoa, you can leave out the peppermint, or get creative and sub a different flavor like orange or lavender! 

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