As winter settles in and the air chills, there's nothing more comforting than a steaming cup of hot chocolate. While a simple cup of hot cocoa can warm the soul, why not take it up a notch and indulge in a hot cocoa charcuterie board? Picture a delightful spread of various hot chocolate flavors, mix-ins, and toppings, inviting you to create a personalized, delicious mug of joy. Let’s explore the wonders of old-fashioned hot cocoa and all the accompaniments you can use to create your very own hot cocoa charcuterie board.
The Delights of Old-Fashioned Hot Cocoa
Old-fashioned hot cocoa transports us to simpler times and brings with it a sense of nostalgia. The slow, traditional process of making hot chocolate from scratch – will real chocolate, milk and a touch of sweetness – provides a distinctly memorable experience for the holidays.
Old-Fashioned Hot Cocoa
Ingredients
- ¼ cup 60% cacao chocolate morsels
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa
- 1/3 cup white granulated sugar
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups half and half
- 1 pinch salt
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Directions
Heat all ingredients (except vanilla extract) in a 2-quart saucepan over medium-low heat until almost boiling. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Creating the Perfect Hot Cocoa Charcuterie Board
Gone are the days of selecting only between marshmallows and whipped cream as toppings. With a hot cocoa charcuterie board, you can delve into a world of flavors, textures and spices that will make each sip an adventure, and serve as a sweet centerpiece to your holiday gatherings.
Begin by selecting a variety of flavors and mix-ins, such as mini marshmallows, salted caramels, white chocolate morsels and peppermints. Pair your hot cocoa with delectable treats like cookies, gum drops, crème-filled wafer rolls or chocolate-covered espresso beans. Consider adding biscotti, chocolate-dipped spoons or chocolate-coated pretzels as well as whipped toppings and an assortment of sprinkles.
Variations to Savor
Indulge in some exciting recipes that are sure to elevate your hot chocolate into fun and festive beverages during the holidays and throughout the colder months.
Minty Fresh Wonder
Embrace the festive season with a mint-infused hot cocoa. Fancify your beverage with a peppermint stick or make your own crushed candy cane dust for a touch of holiday cheer. This minty delight is a crowd-pleaser and a perfect indulgence for cozy winter evenings.
Spicy Aztec Elixir
Channel your inner adventurer with an Aztec-inspired hot cocoa. Infuse your drink with a touch of chili powder and a dash of cinnamon. Garnish with a cinnamon stick for a festive presentation. This fiery blend will ignite your senses and warm you from the inside out.
Grown-Up Grasshopper
Transform your drink into a rich adult-only grasshopper hot cocoa by adding 2 oz. of crème de menthe or a shot of peppermint schnapps. Adorn with a crushed candy cane rim for a playful offering.
Decadent Salted Caramel Indulgence
Elevate your hot cocoa experience with a drizzle of homemade salted caramel. The combination of slightly bitter cocoa and sweet, buttery caramel is a match made in heaven. Sprinkle an extra pinch of sea salt for that irresistible contrast.