Hot Chocolate Mix and a Hot Chocolate Party in a Flash

 HOT CHOCOLATE MIX

Some of you may be laughing at me for posting this now, but I do have a reason. You see, I plan ahead. I'm already buying and making Christmas gifts. I'm finalizing my recipes for Halloween and starting early-stage menu for grocery lists for Thanksgiving. So, while it's hot and the grocery items are not yet overpriced or sold out, I'm making Hot Chocolate Mix, Russian Mixer (aka Russian tea), and several other make-ahead mixes to make my life easier when I plan to be socially active. Versatile recipes and advance planning take the stress out of unexpected guests and kinks in your social calendar. 



Please note that this is a very basic recipe. It's made to be enhanced! This makes it ideal for a quick hot chocolate buffet party. All you need to do is set out different enhancements like crushed peppermint candy, candy canes to stir with, a big bowl of marshmallows, Baileys, Fireball whiskey, Khalua, Grand Marnier, pumpkin spice mix (see below), candy/cupcake sprinkles, cayenne powder or Tajin powder, mint syrup (mint jelly warmed in the microwave works well here), caramel syrup, star anise and cinnamon. Is your mind racing with possibilities now?  Throw together a small basket or box of these enhancements to have handy using small containers and airline alcohol bottles for a flawless presentation to make you look like Super Hostess at a moment's notice. Don't forget the whipped cream!


  • Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice
    tasteofhome.com (11)
    5 min
    Read full directions
    To add delicious flavor to your pumpkin pie recipe, try this pumpkin spice. This pumpkin pie spice blend can also be used to make spiced nuts. —Mary Dixon, Catlin, Illinois
    Ingredients
    • 4 teaspoons
      Ground Cinnamon
    • 2 teaspoons
      Ground Ginger
    • 1 teaspoon
      Ground Cloves
    • ½ teaspoon
      Ground Nutmeg
    Directions
    1. Mix all ingredients. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place up to 6 months.,
    2. Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice
    3. may be used as a substitute for store-bought pumpkin pie spice or to prepare the following recipe: Spiced Nuts
    Read full directions

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