Hot Chocolate on a Peppermint Stick

I am beyond excited to share this recipe with you today!  I have spotted several variations of this recipe floating around on the internet and I think it’s such a fun and clever way to serve hot chocolate.

With winter weather comes the cravings of hot chocolate and I have so many recipes I want to share with you.  But for the sake not wanting to overwhelm you, I am trying to space them out as much as possible.   Since I’m in love with this version I decided to share it with you sooner rather than later.

Forget the powders and packets, with this version we’re talking solid chocolate.  But, not just any chocolate, chocolate ganache that is cut into blocks or circles.  It’s rich, creamy and smooth and I could honestly eat it straight from the pan.  Yes, it’s that good.

But, since this is the season of giving I decided to resist the temptation of diving face first in the pan of warm ganache.  I let it set, then cut circles about the size of a jumbo marshmallow.  I then stacked a marshmallow and ganache circle on the straight part of a peppermint stick for a fun, festive presentation.  Once you’re ready for a mug of cocoa, simply heat some milk, plop the hot chocolate stick in the milk and watch the magic.

This is such a fun way to enjoy hot chocolate.  And, there are so many variations and options.  You could substitute whatever flavor extract in place of the vanilla; peppermint, hazelnut, coffee, Irish creme, just to name a few.  You could also use a simple popsicle stick, lollipop stick, or small wooden spoons to place in the chocolate.

This truly is the best mug of hot chocolate I’ve ever had.  It’s packed full of rich, chocolaty flavor.  It’s creamy, smooth and has hints of peppermint from the candy cane.  It’s the perfect way to warm up on a cold, winter day.

Hot Chocolate on a Peppermint Stick

Ingredients:


1/2 Cup heavy cream
1 (14oz) can condensed milk
1 1/2 Cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 1/2 Cups dark chocolate chips
1 Tsp vanilla
1 1/2-2 dozen candy canes
1 1/2-2 dozen jumbo marshmallows

Directions:


Place 2-3 inches of water water in a large saucepan and place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil.  Reduce to a simmer and place a double boiler or large bowl over the water.  Pour cream and condensed milk in the bowl of the double boiler and gently stir to incorporate.  Once the milk is warm add the chocolates and heat until melted, stirring occasionally.  Once the chocolate is completely melted, after about 8-10 minutes, add vanilla and whisk to combine and until the mixture is thick and smooth.

Pour into a parchment lined 8×8 pan and allow to set overnight.

Once the chocolate is set, use a knife that has been dipped in hot water and cut into squares.  Alternately, use a circle cookie cutter and cut into circles.  Slide a jumbo marshmallow onto the straight part of the candy cane, moving it up enough on the stick until there’s about an inch or 2 of space below the marshmallow.  Then gentle press the candy cane in the ganache block or circle.  Place on a platter or in a cellophane bag.

To serve, heat approximately one cup of milk and add the hot chocolate stick to the milk and swirl to incorporate.  Once the chocolate has melted, stir to combine.  Serve and enjoy.

Recipe source: slightly adapted from WhipperDish