It’s time for that classic winter combo of mint and chocolate, so here’s two ways to cozy up with mugs of Vegan Peppermint Hot Chocolate on these cold winter nights. This post was sponsored by Healthyish Foods and Elmhurst Nut Milks, but all opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support With The Grains.
Remember when elementary school teachers would spray paint (?) soft white edges on the windows and hang fake mantles made of crinkled paper with brick patterns? That’s where my mind wandered last night. Outside, the snow was falling in fluffy flakes. Inside, the fireplace was crackling, and the windows were foggy with those real-life white edges. Safely nestled in my home, with nowhere to go, I felt so cozy, nostalgic and thankful for those idyllic snowy times when I can hibernate (homework free no less!). Those are the sorts of winter-bear days and nights that call for homemade Peppermint Hot Chocolate!
The core of this peppermint hot chocolate recipe is a high-quality, dark chocolate like Chocolove’s Peppermint flavored bar. Using a whole chocolate bar makes for a very indulgent cup o’ hot cocoa. Plus, each Chocolove bar includes a love poem on the inside of the wrapper, so you can easily turn a cozy peppermint hot chocolate into a romantic order for two! There’s nothing like Lord Byron to set the mood.
If the bigger batch Peppermint Hot Chocolate recipe seems too complicated, or you don’t have all the ingredients, try this instant gratification method. I picked up this trick when I studied abroad in Argentina. If you order un submarino, A Submarine, the waiter will bring you a mug of steamed milk and a bar of dark chocolate (often shaped like a submarine!). Dip the dark chocolate into the hot milk, and voila, watch as the dark chocolate swirls into the milk, delivering a rich, addicting chocolate experience. For the home version, simply simmer milk or Elmhurst’s Milked Hazelnuts over the stove top, then pour over the chocolate bar. Proceed to really sink into the couch, and play Mariah Carey for the 100th time (she’s gotta earn those royalties!).
And while I’m tangentially on the topic of Mariah Carey… did you know she made an animated Christmas movie, in which a little girl sings “All I Want for Christmas is You” about a … PUPPY!!! Now there’s an excuse to make a cup of peppermint hot chocolate, curl up and sing to your dog (“All I want for Christmas is Juuuu-lep.” You do that too, right?). I digress.
Made with good-for-you ingredients like coconut milk and hazelnut milk, antioxidant rich dark chocolate, this batch will yield about 4-6 cozy couch sessions, depending on how big your mug is. Double it up if you want to stretch that hibernation. Simply store the extra in the refrigerator and then simmer on the stovetop when the craving hits. For an extra frothy drink, I like to whirl the hot mixture in my Magic Bullet before serving.
If you’re a Healthyish Baking Kit subscriber, you can take this Peppermint Hot Chocolate to a place of even more chocolate! Pair the Healthyish Organic Brownie Cake mix with 1/4 teaspoon organic peppermint extract before baking, and you’ll have a very chocolaty, very minty pairing. ‘Tis the season!
Here’s to the childish winter days of playing in the snow with pups. Here’s to cozy nights hiding safely inside with an indulgent mug of Peppermint Hot Chocolate! But if, for some reason, you’re somehow not a chocolate person, might I suggest cozying up with a mug of warming chai? Everyone deserves to be cozy this time of year.
Cheers,
Peppermint Hot Chocolate (Vegan)
Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients
4 cups Elmhurst Hazelnut Milk
1 can organic coconut milk
2 bars (6.4 oz total) Chocolove Peppermint Dark Chocolate Bars
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon Pink Himalayan sea salt
2 teaspoons organic vanilla extract
1 teaspoon organic peppermint extract
Directions
Add all the ingredients into a large saucepan, bring to a medium simmer, whisking until all the chocolate melts and the top gets frothy. Serve.
Pro Tip: Blend a serving of the warmed peppermint hot cocoa in a blender or Magic Bullet before serving for an extra frothy and creamy drink.
Reserve extras in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop to serve.
Enjoy!
