How was your Thanksgiving weekend? Ours was good. It was easy and fun. I made this Chocolate Mousse Pie with Phyllo Crust and it was SO GOOD and much simpler to make than I anticipated. I’m obsessed with it and plan to make it for Christmas, since my brother loves chocolate pie and this version is my new favorite. I also mades these dinner rolls and the mashed potatoes–which I kept warm in the slow cooker and it’s totally my new favorite trick. I also learned that I find rice-ing potatoes super satisfying. It’s on par with melon-balling. I’m a weirdo. Casper snatched a handful of stuffing from Sean’s plate, but luckily he couldn’t figure out how to put it in his mouth (since he’s not on solids yet) and ended up just sucking on the back of his hand instead. It was pretty funny.
In lieu of Black Friday shopping, I stayed at home in my jams all day, did a bit of online shopping, and decked the dang halls because I LOVE CHRISTMAS. I love it, guys. A lot.
I also made this spicy, boozey, hot chocolate. Sean and his brother had some after kicking the soccer ball around at the park and I’m pretty sure it was the perfect warm-up since it was super cold and windy out there. It’s made with chopped chocolate, so it’s super-rich and creamy. There’s also orange zest in there, which cuts the richness a bit and adds a ton of flavor. The cayenne is spicy and brings on another level of heat, while the bourbon warms everything up in the way only bourbon can.
It’s seriously so good. This may be the winter of hot chocolate. I hope you don’t mind.
[recipe]
Spicy Orange-Bourbon Hot Chocolate
Makes 2-3 servings
2 cups whole milk
2-3 large pieces of orange peel
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 ounces finely chopped bittersweet chocolate
2 ounces bourbon
whipped cream, additional chopped chocolate, and cayenne for topping
In a saucepan combine the milk with the orange peel and cayenne. Warm the milk over medium heat in a saucepan until small bubbles begin to appear around the edges and the milk begins to steam. Try to avoid boiling it. Turn off the heat and add the chopped chocolate, then cover with a lid and let it sit for a minute or two before whisking to combine. Whisk in the bourbon and pour into 2 or 3 mugs, top generously with whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped chocolate and cayenne.
[/recipe]
Tieghan
So cute!
Abby @ The Frosted Vegan
I LOVE that this is a pretty, boozy hot chocolate with bourbon. I’m on board for this! (Also, your styling of this is so cute!)
Ileana
I love the combination of orange and chocolate and then you went and added bourbon! I can not wait to try this! It looks so cozy and pretty with those tiny trees. Did you get a big Christmas tree yet?? We just moved into a new place with a fireplace and I can’t wait to string the mantle with lights, stockings, the whole shebang!
cindy
We did! We have a fake tree, so it was up ASAP on Friday 🙂
Mariana @The Candid Kitchen
What a super cute presentation! Love orange and chocolate, I think it is my favourite combination of all time. Plus Bourbon, I mean…Heaven.
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar
What a flavour!! This looks fabulous.
Erika
I did the p.j online black friday shopping thang too.. I love the flavors of orange and chocolate together so I know this is legit.. would it be ok to add 6 ounces of Bourbon instead of 2? 🙂
cindy
Yes, ma’am.
Amy | Club Narwhal
You sure know how to spend a long weekend in style, Cindy! Everything about this sounds amazing, especially that cocoa 🙂
ms.freststart
Finally, an adult hot chocolate with some heat. Can’t wait to try it and take it to Christmas eve party w/ family.
Megan
BEST EVER.
Eileen
There are people who MIND a winter of hot chocolate? Not me! 🙂 This sounds delicious, and I love the spice!
Sarah | The Sugar Hit
I LOVE CHRISTMAS TOO!! I’m so down with this hot chocolate, the orange and the spice and the booze? It’s like drinking a spangly christmas bauble and I’m so into it. Tiny trees for the win!
Stephanie @ Girl Versus Dough
Bourbon and hot chocolate and this is why I like you.
Michelle @ Hummingbird High
ADORABLE! Where did you get those little trees? I’ve been trying to find some for a while now to use as cupcake toppers!
cindy
I think I got them from Michael’s or JoAnne Fabrics!
Nicole ~ Cooking for Keeps
Bourbon.Hot.Chocolate. Life is complete!
Lauren@FriedGreenKimchi
What a fun twist on hot chocolate! I love the spiciness & orange peel. I will have to give this one a try this winter.
Jessica @ Golden Brown and Delicious
This looks amazing!!
Lyndsay // Coco Cake Land
woohoo! i love that you love christmas … ME TOO! ^__^ such cute pics of a DELISH sounding hot chocolate! love those little trees, cindy! a winter of hot chocolate sounds delightful. 🙂
Hannah @ eating with alice
Being in sunny Australia, I get so jealous of all the wintery christmas food and cheer (not that I’m complaining!). This looks delish! I’ll bookmark it for winter – I’m not sure it would suit the blistering heat! Thank you 🙂
Kate
This looks like the perfect winter warmer! Can’t wait to give it a try!