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avengingnomad · 5 years ago

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Day 1- Candy Canes

December was upon him, and Steve had the sudden craving for a candy cane. He could practically taste the pepperminty goodness on his tongue. He may not have grown up with much, but one holiday tradition that was constant was the candy cane. It’s what he looked forward to every year. December 1st would come, and he would go out and buy himself a single candy cane.

The day had come. The aroma of winter was coming full force. There was a nip in the air, and he knew it was time. He’d get dressed and quietly slip out of the Avengers Tower to find himself a candy cane that he, now realized, was the only thing on his mind. So much so, that when he bounded down the stairs, he did not spot the stealthy redhead sitting on the counter. Natasha was sitting crisscrossed on the counter, her hand in a box of cereal.

“Going for your run, Steve?” Natasha asked him, raising an eyebrow.

Usually, yes. That’s exactly what Steve would be doing, but she seemed skeptical. Steve looked down at his feet. Barefoot. “Uh, no. Not today. I guess I shouldn’t go out in this weather without shoes on though, huh?” A slight blush rose to his cheeks.

“I’m sure you wouldn’t lose your toes to frostbite, but putting shoes on would be a smart choice” Natasha replied, trying to keep a smile off her face. “So what are you really doing, Captain?”

“I’m going out to get—” Steve hesitated. Was she going to think he’s insane? For going out in this blizzard to get candy canes?

“Yes, Steve?”, Nat pressed him on gently.

“Candy canes”, he supplied.

Natasha puckered her lips, looking utterly confused. “Candy canes?”

“Uh, yes? Did- did you want to come with?” He didn’t know why he was asking her. It seemed like an odd thing to ask.

“Yeah, okay. We can make some hot cocoa, if you want”, she hopped off the counter and grabbed a sweatshirt that was hanging off one of the chairs. “I would suggest putting on shoes though, and perhaps a jacket.” She smiled at him.

Steve fought the urge to look startled. It wasn’t like Natasha to go out for such a trivial thing, candy canes, but he found himself feeling lighter. He beamed at her. “Great. I’ll be right back.”

Steve bounded up the stairs to his floor, slipped on his shoes and ran back. “Ready, Nat?”, Steve asked her, his excitement was evident on his face. She nodded. Without him realizing it, he reached for her hand with his. She looked as surprised, as did he, but neither pulled away. Instead, she laced her fingers with his and squeezed gently.

They found a convenience store a few minutes away. They stopped in the almost-empty building. Just a few workers were milling around. They walked over to the seasonal section toward the back. Finding candy canes wasn’t difficult, but Steve looked perplexed. He saw an assortment of different colors and flavors of candy canes: chocolate, fruit flavored, minty, root beer, coffee, and...wasabi?

“Okay, I don’t want to sound like an old man or anything, but what is it with people these days? What’s wrong with the classic flavors?” Steve glanced at Natasha. She guffawed loudly, throwing her head back, startling Steve beside her. He blinked rapidly, shaking his head slightly, as if trying to clear his head. “What’s so funny?” He asked, a weary smile on his face.

“Its just, you know, funny. You may look like young twenty or thirty-something guy, but deep down, you’re just the guy that grew up in the ‘30’s and ‘40’s.” A beat went by of silence and they smiled at each other.

“Alright Captain. Let’s finish this mission.” And she grabbed a box of mini peppermint candy canes and walked toward the register.

“Yes, ma’am” Steve grinned, showing all of his teeth. Natasha grinned back at soldier. It had been a while since they hung out, just them two. It felt nice, easy, natural. They each took a candy cane and enjoyed them while they walked.

They returned to the Tower shortly and Steve put on a kettle of water for their hot chocolate. He turned and leaned his back against the countertop. Natasha was sitting on the kitchen island, ankles crossed, swinging slightly. Her palms were flat against the granite, bearing her weight. She looked relaxed, but she wore a puzzling expression. He handed her a mug of hot chocolate, complete with a single candy cane. She took it without hesitation, but didn’t drink

Steve was slightly concerned. Had he done something stupid? Had he not said enough? “Natasha?”, he reached for her hand, pulling her out of her stupor.

“Yeah, Steve?”, his hand on top of hers. She didn’t pull away.

“Is everything okay?” She looked...scared? Wary?

“Everything is great”, Natasha whispered. “A little too great, I guess.”

“What do you mean, Nat?” Steve was genuinely confused. This is not what he expected her to say.

“I guess, it’s just weird, you know? You were never supposed to be here, in this time. You were born in 1918 in America. And here you are with me, a Russian spy, in the twenty-first century, drinking hot chocolate and candy canes. And we were never meant—” she cut herself off.

“Meant to what? Meet? Become...friends?” Steve hesitated. He almost said something stupid. Yeah, he liked Natasha, more than a friend, but she didn’t need to know that.

He expected her to look angry, or laugh, or...something. But she looked...hopeful?

“Steve”, she practically whispered.

She slid off the counter and stood in front of him. She looked so small. Strong still, but small. She reached for his hand. He obliged, meeting her hand halfway. Their fingers laced together.

Something was pulling them together. What it was, neither of them knew, but they didn’t fight it. Their drinks and candy canes left forgotten on the counter. Their eyes locked, still a little uncertain. Natasha looped her arms around Steve’s neck. His hands found her waist. Steve glanced at her lips, parted slightly, the pepperminty aroma present on their breaths. Their lips met, hesitantly, sweetly.

Neither dared to speak, or move. Steve thought, this had to be a dream. Not real. Couldn’t be real. Natasha couldn’t be interested in him like that.

Finally, he spoke, “Nat?” She hummed in reply. “Was that okay?”

Steve was afraid he messed with a good thing, pushed the line too far. He didn’t want to push her.

“Yes, Steve. That was more than okay.” She stepped back slightly, not enough to break contact, but far enough to look him in the eyes. “There’s this movie theatre around that shows old Christmas movies during the week. Would you like to go? With me?”, she added.

Steve beamed down at her. “I would love to, Natasha. Do you think they’ll have hot chocolate with candy canes?”, he teased, eyes sparkling.

“If not, then I’m sure we can smuggle some in.” Natasha chuckled.

#marvel #mcu #captain america #chris evans #steve rogers #avengers #natasha romanoff #black widow #romanogers #christmas otp challenge

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keijay-blog · 6 years ago

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New Post has been published on https://cookingtipsandreviews.com/how-to-make-hot-chocolate-cookies/

How to Make Hot Chocolate Cookies

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Lisa KaminskiNovember 8, 2018

Taste of Home

Love hot cocoa? You’re going to want to learn how to make hot chocolate cookies. These treats are just the thing to keep you cozy on chilly nights.

In the winter months, there’s nothing more I crave than coming in the cold, making myself a cup of hot chocolate and setting in with a book or a good Hallmark movie if it’s the Christmas season! It doesn’t get much better than that—unless you have a great snack to go along with that cocoa. Minty treats of all kinds with that chocolate is a classic combination, but that’s just not enough for me. I want my hot cocoa with a side of hot cocoa, which is why I just had to figure out a way to make hot chocolate cookies.

And when I say hot chocolate cookies, I mean more than cookies that just have chocolate and a few marshmallows inside. I wanted these cookies to taste like the real deal! So I got down to work in my kitchen using real hot chocolate mix, real hot chocolate mini marshmallows and a whole lot of chocolate chips. The results, well, let’s just say they were holiday magic (not to mention super simple!). Check out how you can mix them up fast so you can be enjoying your treat by the fire in no time.

Hot Chocolate Cookie Recipe

Ingredients

2¼ cups flour

2 eggs

¾ cup butter, softened

¾ cup sugar

¾ cup brown sugar

½ cup hot chocolate mix (or three packets)

3 tablespoons cocoa powder

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon baking powder

1 cup chocolate chips

1 cup marshmallow bits (not mini marshmallows)

A word on your marshmallows

Taste of Home

Before you start this recipe, be sure to take a good look at your pantry. You’ll want to make sure you’ve got marshmallow bits for this recipe—not mini marshmallow. Mallow bits are just like those itty-bitty crunchy marshmallows you get in a packet of hot chocolate. You can find small containers of Jet-Puffed Mallow Bits in your supermarket’s baking or hot beverage aisle—or you can always snag them online if you can’t track them down (I found that they sell out quickly close to the holidays). And if you’re at a total loss for finding these marshmallow tidbits, just be sure that the hot chocolate your choose has some included. Those will work just as well!

If you’re unable to find those tiny mallow bits, I know it can be tempting to opt for mini marshmallows instead, but resist! Mini marshmallows are just too soft to include in this dough and will melt too easily in the oven causing a big, sticky mess. And no one likes to deep clean their oven if they don’t have to—though we’ve got some tips for when self-clean just isn’t enough.

Directions

Stirring up the cookies

Taste of Home

Making these hot chocolate cookies is a cinch. Just follow the standard cookie-making procedure (AKA the creaming method). Cream together your softened butter, sugar and brown sugar. Then add in your eggs and vanilla. Once those are incorporated, just add in the dry ingredients—save for the marshmallow bits.

Because these little marshmallows are a bit fragile, you’ll want to stir them in by hand or with the lowest speed of your mixer. After all, these are the star of the show—you don’t want them broken down into marshmallow powder.

Baking your hot cocoa cookies

Taste of Home

These cookies are just as easy to bake up as any classic chocolate chipper. Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out cookies onto a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes at 375ºF. When they’re done, just set them on a rack to cool—though I thought they tasted best a little warm!

The cocoa-filled results

Taste of Home

This cookie is so simple to make and the results are absolutely mouthwatering. First off, these cookies have that just-right slightly chewy texture to them which makes them great for soft cookie fans like myself. Then you’ve got all those hot chocolate flavors courtesy of a good hot chocolate mix (these are our staff’s favorites), chocolate chips and those teeny tiny marshmallows. Let’s be honest—those mini marshmallow bits are what truly take these cookies over the top. What’s a hot chocolate—or a hot chocolate cookie—without plenty of marshmallows?

But do you want to know the secret for making this treat even better (yes, it is possible)? Dunk your hot chocolate cookie right into your hot chocolate. It might seem like too much, but gosh is it ever good!

Be sure to whip up some of our best hot cocoa recipes!

Rich Hot Chocolate

Each winter in early February my friends and I gather for an outdoor show called Mittenfest. We skip the bloody mary’s and fill our thermoses with these hot cocoas instead.

Get Recipe

Dulce de Leche Hot Chocolate Pods

Who doesn’t love a steamy mug of hot chocolate on a snowy day? Now you can give friends, neighbors, co-workers or anyone who deserves a treat the pleasure of this indulgent drink with these giftable hot chocolate pods. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Get Recipe

Nutella Hot Chocolate

Vanilla beans and Frangelico liquor lend to the sophisticated flavor of this hot chocolate. With such rich taste, it could be served as a dessert.—Michael Compean, West Los Angeles, California

Get Recipe

Pumpkin-Spiced Hot Chocolate

As soon as there is a hint of fall in the air, I think of pumpkins and my mother. She served pumpkin pie with real hot chocolate. This recipe brings those two amazing scents, and her, back to life for me. To turn your hot chocolate into creamy pumpkin mocha, stir 2 teaspoons of instant coffee into the hot chocolate before adding whipped cream. It’s a great way to warm up after some chilly trick-or-treating! —J. Morand, Maitland, ON

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Crackling Hot Cocoa

This hot chocolate recipe is more than a warm-you-up—it’s rich and thick decadence in a mug.—Cyndi Nistico, Palm Island, Florida

Get Recipe

Spiked Hot Chocolate

My husband and I like to enjoy this grown-up version of hot chocolate on a cold winter evening. It’s even better made with honey-flavored bourbon if you can find that in your local store. —Andrea Harvath, Duncannon, Pennsylvania

Get Recipe

Cozy Hot Chocolate

Steaming mugs of these smooth beverages are a nice anytime treat with my husband, Ken.—Marie Hattrup, Sonoma, California

Get Recipe

Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate

Change up ordinary hot cocoa by stirring some dark baking cocoa into vanilla almond milk. Fluffy marshmallow creme and bright sprinkles make irresistible toppings. —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, PA

Get Recipe

Fluffy Hot Chocolate

This is our daughter’s favorite hot chocolate recipe. It may look like ordinary cocoa, but a touch of vanilla sets it apart from the rest. And the melted marshmallows give it a frothy body you won’t get from a cocoa packet. —Jo Ann Schimcek, Weimar, Texas

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Holiday Peppermint Mocha

Make spirits bright with a minty mocha to share under the mistletoe or around the piano. I’ve also stirred in coffee liqueur instead of peppermint. —Lauren Brien-Wooster, South Lake Tahoe, California

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Candy Cane Hot Cocoa Mix

We make batches of this minty, malted milk-flavored hot chocolate to give as gifts. Be prepared—friends will return the jars for refills! —Sara Tatham, Plymouth, New Hampshire

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Peppermint White Hot Chocolate

My soothing white hot chocolate is a great warm-up after a wintry day spent sledding or ice skating. Or include it as a festive addition to brunch or an afternoon tea party. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon

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Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

My mom makes this hot chocolate with pumpkin, spices and white chocolate. We usually drink it on Halloween, but it’s delish at Christmas too. —Sasha King, Westlake Village, California

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Kahlua Hot Chocolate

When we want a cup of hot chocolate, we prefer homemade over store mixes. A splash of Kahlúa adds a touch of fabulous. —Chung-Ah Rhee, Hollywood, California

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Favorite Hot Chocolate

You need just a few basic ingredients to stir up this spirit-warming sipper. It’s smooth and not too sweet, making it just right for cozy winter days. —Flo Snodderly, North Vernon, IN

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Gingerbread Hot Cocoa

Are you in the Christmas spirit yet? If not, this special cocoa will do the trick. It’s like drinking a chocolate gingerbread cookie! —Erika Monroe-Williams, Scottsdale, AZ

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Landmark Hot Chocolate

With or without a nip of rum, my hot chocolate recipe has been a Wisconsin winter warmer for years. When the toboggan hills are calling, I skip the whipped cream and take a thermos to go. It’s always a hit and it ensures nobody is left out in the cold! —Mark Phillips, Bayfield, Wisconsin

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Vanilla Almond Hot Cocoa

Treat your family to this comforting, homemade cocoa as you decorate the tree or open holiday gifts. Vanilla and almond extracts make it taste even more special. —Vicki Holloway, Joelton, Tennessee

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Mexican Hot Chocolate

This delicious, not-too-sweet hot chocolate is richly flavored with cocoa and delicately seasoned with spices. The whole-stick cinnamon stirrers come in handy, as the old-fashioned chocolate mixture settles if not stirred before drinking. The blend of cinnamon and chocolate flavors is wonderful! —Kathy Young, Weatherford, Texas

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Double Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix

I gave this away at our neighborhood Christmas party in cutie-patootie gift bags and was thrilled that I was able to give something to everyone. But the next week I started getting calls from the neighbors who’d made it and was blown away at the response. Everyone loves this! The white chocolate is what makes it extra creamy and chocolaty!—Mandy Rivers, Lexington, South Carolina

Get Recipe

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reciperesolutions · 7 years ago

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Christmas dinner menu (new recipes): Christmas-tree spinach artichoke dip, “best” cranberry brie bites, [boozy] chocolate candy cane no-bake pie! I’m a little behind in posting but I’d say these were worth the wait :) I rarely try new recipes on guests but for some reason, each year we’ve hosted Christmas, the majority of dishes I serve are completely brand new. And successful! I guess it’s my own little Christmas miracle :-P

Spinach-Artichoke Christmas Tree: Though the sweet-toothes of the family voted the pie as their favorite, I loved the spinach-artichoke tree - a recipe inspired by one of those video-recipe Facebook posts. I used my own spinach artichoke recipe (below) instead of the one they spelled out just with the modifications of using smaller garlic cloves (so I could throw in an extra one or two) and chopping up the artichoke hearts instead of leaving them quartered. But I wrapped the pizza dough and finished it as instructed. There was a lot of piecing together bits of dough (since I was working with round-shaped pre-made dough, not rectangular or unshaped, as they have in the video) but it all worked out beautifully - not a big deal at all to piece together bits of the dough, as it all comes together as it bakes. It also felt like I was over stuffing the filling but I LOVED the ratio of dough-do-dip in the end, so using a full recipe of the dip worked out.

There were a couple of small adjustments I realized as I was going would be necessary. First, it needed to stay in the oven longer than called for to get that beautiful golden brown. (Also, I did add an egg wash - one egg mixed with water, then brush that mixture across all the dough before putting it into the oven - to get that beautiful sheen. Not sure if that was necessary with the finishing butter at the end, but it all tasted good.) In the video, they describe this as ‘spinach breadsticks’ - mine were definitely not breadsticks. In fact, you couldn’t even pick them up with your hands: we had to break out the lasagne turner and add some little paper plates and forks for everyone to enjoy. Not a huge deal - just a change in consumption style. Almost the entire tree disappeared shortly after we broke the utensils out though!

Cranberry Brie Bites: I’ve slowly started developing a palate for brie but was really excited about it when I saw this recipe: cranberry sauce (I used my favorite/homemade recipe), toasted pecans, rosemary. To be honest, I don’t think it was necessary to use homemade cranberry sauce - the canned would have been perfectly fine. (The nuances of my homemade sauce were a little lost in the bake, I think.) I think user error was the biggest flaw in this recipe, in that I realized too late it called for a mini-muffin tin - so I flipped over a regular muffin tin and used the crevices between the actual ‘muffin’ parts (diamond-shaped voids), since they would be smaller and these guys really did need to be cupped while they baked to keep their shape (I did spray the bottom of the pan with Pam to help with the release - I think that was probably a good call). But as a result, I think the ingredient proportions were a little off as we distributed everything across each bite, realizing I’d miscounted how many ‘crevices’ there were. They were good when they were hot, but ultimately came out a little dry. I think more cheese added (which probably would have been the amount per-bite that the recipe calls for) and more liquidy of a cranberry sauce (which mine is definitely more solid - also I burned a lot of it, so that syrupy consistency was never gonna happen with this go-around) would have improved it. ALSO, I pre-toasted the pecans - because toasted pecans are SO much better than not - only to realize they would have toasted anyway when you put the bites into the oven lol. So a couple of obstacles but they were still a tasty addition to the menu.

Chocolate candy cane pie: This was pretty darn good. For a no-bake recipe, it was more involved than I was expected - do a simple task here, wait two hours, do another simple task here, wait another two hours - and so on. So it took a lot longer to actually complete than I expected (which was okay) even though it wasn’t a lot of work in itself.

I did make a few modifications. Did not realize until far too late in the game that I had about 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract left! (The recipe calls for significantly more than that.) BUT! We had done a little impromptu spiked hot chocolate bar the night before with my brother-in-law, who was craving hot cocoa with peppermint schnapps - what a great substitute for extract of the same kind! Though I’m not a baker and don’t prefer super sweet treats, I have noticed that my most successful desserts all involve some kind of liquor. So instead of using 2 c milk (as I didn’t want to do the coffee creamer), I did 1 3/4 c milk and 1/4 peppermint schnapps in the first part of the recipe to make the chocolate pudding (it was delicious...I may legitimately just start doing spiked puddings for dessert and leave it at that). I did throw in what little I had remaining of the extract as they called for it in the topping, but also substituted the red-and-green chocolate chips (mostly because I didn’t really like they way they looked in the finished product picture) with a crushed up white chocolate candy cane bar/peppermint bark. (I actually meant to sprinkle this on top of the finished pie in lieu of crushed candy canes - just for a better texture as you’re eating it but forgot about that plan lol and used it in lieu of the chips instead.)

This was a great hit. It was light and refreshing after a rich Christmas meal and it was just as good the next day. I used a Keebler chocolate pie crust (it was the only one I could find) but next time I’d REALLY like to use an Oreo chocolate pie crust. I’d also definitely keep with the schnapps modification - that was a really delicious base. Though I’d actually prefer twice as much of the chocolate pudding and half as much of the whipped topping “middle” layer, so I may adjust that next time accordingly. Oh, and remember to save some of the white chocolate peppermint bark to sprinkle on top to give it some more jazz in presentation :)

I also served bowties with kale and sundried tomatoes, slow-cooker garlic smashed potatoes (previous recipe on here - these may have actually been the favorite dish of the day - OUTSTANDING), and duck leg confit (also featured on here before). I’ve got the duck legs in their own photo because I had to do/tried a substitution: could not find duck fat ANYWHERE, so I used equal parts of olive oil instead. Just as delicious! And actually, it may have crisped up in the finishing stages even better.

Merry Christmas!!

Spinach artichoke dip recipe (filling): http://reciperesolutions.tumblr.com/post/128226214218/homemade-spinach-artichoke-dip-with-toasted

Spinach breadstick-tree recipe (assembly instructions): https://www.itsalwaysautumn.com/christmas-tree-spinach-dip-breadsticks.html

Cranberry brie bites: http://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a56610/cranberry-brie-bites-recipe/

Chocolate candy cane pie: https://www.strawberryblondiekitchen.com/no-bake-candy-cane-pie/

Duck leg confit: http://reciperesolutions.tumblr.com/post/128219574943/dang-nab-it-24-hrs-in-a-dry-rub-12-hrs

Garlic smashed potatoes: http://reciperesolutions.tumblr.com/post/153753441356/reciperesolutionstumblrcom-slow-cooker

#christmasdinner #brickhousemenu #dessert #appetizers #dinner #repeats

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keijay-blog · 6 years ago

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New Post has been published on https://cookingtipsandreviews.com/we-cozied-up-with-the-best-hot-chocolate-is-it-yo/

We Cozied Up with the Best Hot Chocolate. Is It Yo...

As soon as the temperatures start to drop, I crave one thing more than any other on a cold night: hot chocolate. A cup of the good stuff made with real cocoa and milk is pure holiday magic. Lucky for me, my husband is always game to stir up a cup from scratch on a chilly night—he always adds a dash of cinnamon to really make it feel like home, but these mix-ins are tasty, too. I’ll admit, though, on a chilly night when I want cocoa quick, I’m very much OK with using a package of hot chocolate mix—especially if it has those mini marshmallows.

However, I’m not always sure if that marshmallow-packed brand is really the best hot chocolate—it is pretty darn sweet. Maybe there’s a richer, more chocolatey variety out there better suited for evenings watching Christmas movies. That’s why I wrangled together 11—yes, 11!—brands of hot chocolate in a blind taste test to see which tastes best. Here’s what I tried along with a team of cocoa-fans. And, yep, we made sure to use real milk (not just water) in this test. Anyone who knows hot chocolate knows that milk always makes it better.

Cocomama

Ghirardelli

Great Value

Kroger

Land O’Lakes

Nestlé

Private Selection, a Kroger-exclusive brand

Silly Cow

Starbucks

Swiss Miss

Tim Hortons

Competition for this test was steep. See which brands were our favorites.

Honorable Mention: Cocomama

Taste of Home

Score: 7.5/10

When it comes to hot cocoas, some folks prefer a richer, darker chocolate flavor. Those were the people that gave Cocomama’s semisweet hot cocoa mix the highest marks. This fair trade, non-GMO, kosher hot chocolate was a favorite among those that enjoyed dark chocolate. That’s because in addition to hot chocolate’s standard ingredients—sugar and cocoa powder—Cocomama’s mix contained a good helping of dark chocolate chips. Testers loved that the melted chips gave this mix a really decadent flavor and cut down a bit on the sweetness. Sound like something you’d like? You’ll love these rich dark chocolate recipes.

$5.99 for a 7.5-oz. box; available at select stores and Amazon.

Runner-Up: Great Value

Taste of Home

Score: 8.3/10

Testers also really enjoyed Walmart’s Great Value hot chocolate. Great Value offered a much sweeter flavor than Cocomama, but that satisfied the kid in all of us. We’d equate it to the style of cocoa that Mom would make after you came in from sledding—sweet but so so easy to sip. While we made all our hot chocolates in our test with milk, we did like that Great Value’s hot chocolate mix could be made with water if you didn’t have milk on hand. There’s definitely a convenience factor to a mix like that. Plus, it came with itty-bitty marshmallows. Who can resist?

$4.88 for a 40-oz. canister; available exclusively at Walmart.

Best in Show: Tim Hortons

Taste of Home

Score: 9/10

The mix we loved the most, though, seemed to combine the best qualities of our honorable mention and runner-up. Tim Hortons hot chocolate mix gave us that bit of sweetness that we craved while also offering rich chocolate flavor, though we’d say that Tim Hortons had more of a milk chocolate flavor than semisweet. Overall, we decided that this was the best hot chocolate mix because the components—chocolate, sugar and milk—were all in perfect balance. This was the only brand we tried that had people coming back for seconds later in the day. It really is that irresistible.

$8.99 for a 14-oz. canister; available at select stores and online.

Bottom Line

Taste of Home

Milk is always better

After testing hot cocoa made with 2% milk for this test and then with water to just to compare later, I can assure you that no matter than brand, hot chocolate mix always tastes better made with milk. It has a much fuller and more satisfying flavor. Also, watch out for some hot chocolate brands like Cocomama (one of our favorites); they aren’t made with milk powder so they need to be blended with milk in order to taste right. And if milk isn’t your thing, you can always use a nondairy option—these are our favorites.

Never underestimate an unknown or store brand

Let me say that I was just plain shocked when Swiss Miss and Starbucks didn’t place in the top three for this test! As the bigger names in hot drinks, I assumed these two would have this competition locked up. But just like in so many other taste tests—like chocolate chip cookies and salted butter—generic and less common brands took the top spots. It just goes to show you that you never know until you try! Now grab a box of our favorite hot chocolates and get comfy! Those Hallmark Christmas movies are waiting!

Make your own hot chocolate from scratch with these recipes.

Rich Hot Chocolate

Each winter in early February my friends and I gather for an outdoor show called Mittenfest. We skip the bloody mary’s and fill our thermoses with these hot cocoas instead.

Get Recipe

Dulce de Leche Hot Chocolate Pods

Get Recipe

Nutella Hot Chocolate

Vanilla beans and Frangelico liquor lend to the sophisticated flavor of this hot chocolate. With such rich taste, it could be served as a dessert.—Michael Compean, West Los Angeles, California

Get Recipe

Pumpkin-Spiced Hot Chocolate

Get Recipe

Crackling Hot Cocoa

This hot chocolate recipe is more than a warm-you-up—it’s rich and thick decadence in a mug.—Cyndi Nistico, Palm Island, Florida

Get Recipe

Spiked Hot Chocolate

Get Recipe

Cozy Hot Chocolate

Steaming mugs of these smooth beverages are a nice anytime treat with my husband, Ken.—Marie Hattrup, Sonoma, California

Get Recipe

Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate

Change up ordinary hot cocoa by stirring some dark baking cocoa into vanilla almond milk. Fluffy marshmallow creme and bright sprinkles make irresistible toppings. —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, PA

Get Recipe

Fluffy Hot Chocolate

Get Recipe

Holiday Peppermint Mocha

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Candy Cane Hot Cocoa Mix

We make batches of this minty, malted milk-flavored hot chocolate to give as gifts. Be prepared—friends will return the jars for refills! —Sara Tatham, Plymouth, New Hampshire

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Peppermint White Hot Chocolate

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Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

My mom makes this hot chocolate with pumpkin, spices and white chocolate. We usually drink it on Halloween, but it’s delish at Christmas too. —Sasha King, Westlake Village, California

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Kahlua Hot Chocolate

When we want a cup of hot chocolate, we prefer homemade over store mixes. A splash of Kahlúa adds a touch of fabulous. —Chung-Ah Rhee, Hollywood, California

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Favorite Hot Chocolate

You need just a few basic ingredients to stir up this spirit-warming sipper. It’s smooth and not too sweet, making it just right for cozy winter days. —Flo Snodderly, North Vernon, IN

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Gingerbread Hot Cocoa

Are you in the Christmas spirit yet? If not, this special cocoa will do the trick. It’s like drinking a chocolate gingerbread cookie! —Erika Monroe-Williams, Scottsdale, AZ

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Landmark Hot Chocolate

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Vanilla Almond Hot Cocoa

Treat your family to this comforting, homemade cocoa as you decorate the tree or open holiday gifts. Vanilla and almond extracts make it taste even more special. —Vicki Holloway, Joelton, Tennessee

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Mexican Hot Chocolate

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Double Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix

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