I really really love the Holidays you guys. I mean- I know that’s a pretty common sentiment this time of year, but not much makes me happier than the feeling that everyone around is filled with a little extra good cheer. I can’t get enough Christmas Music, (Oh Holy Night and Carol of the Bells are favorites,) Christmas Movies, (can’t get enough of Love Actually, Home Alone and It’s A Wonderful Life,) and of course giving presents. I actually get so excited when I find a gift for someone that is perfect for them, that I normally can’t wait until Christmas to give it. I just can’t handle the excitement!
I feel like I struck gold with the discovery of the hot chocolate recipe. I always assumed homemade hot chocolate mix would just contain cocoa powder and sugar- dumb I know. But this has milk powder in it (which I luckily had on hand as it’s a Milk Bar secret ingredient) and you actualy grind up chunks of dark chocolate into a powder! So the finished product has teeny granules of actual chocolate bits which turn into the creamiest, dreamiest hot chocolate when mixed with milk.
I couldn’t resist making a batch of homemade marshmallows as well, because really what’s cuter than giving someone hot chocolate and marshmallows from scratch? I have to say though- now that I have a stand mixer, making marshmallows is a cinch! I can’t believe I ever attempted it without one!
Hot Chocolate Recipe adapted from: Brown Eyed Baker
Marshmallow Recipe from: Marshmallow Madness by Shauna Sever
Becca - Cookie Jar Treats says
I can’t wait to try and make my own hot chocolate mix from scratch. There are so many recipes out there! And I’m totally with you on the whole holiday thing. I absolutely love the holidays. Whenever I’m in a store with anything Christmas I get all giddy and I MUST look at the Christmas section for at least an hour, even if I’ve already seen it two or three times before :)
Audra says
Thanks Becca! I agree about the holidays 100%! And once you make your own mix- you’ll never go back…this one is to die for!
Siri says
OMG I’m posting Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix today too – I swear I didn’t copy. GREAT MINDS THINK ALIKE! I plan on making Peppermint Marshmallows next week to go with them. It’s the PERFECT gift, isn’t it? Yours look divine.
Audra says
We’re blog post TWINS today! I can’t wait to check your version out! I was going to make Salted Caramel marshmallows- but I didn’t have heavy cream and was too lazy to go to the store :)
kristin casamassina says
I give you a lot of credit for making home made marshmallows! Looks like a great little holiday treat to make for my coworkers :)
tara says
Oh awesome, I love hot chocolate! And homemade marshmallows? I’m down.
Great movie list too! I love the dancing scene in Love Actually with Hugh Grant. It makes me laugh every time.
Jessica_AKitchenAddiction says
Grated dark chocolate and homemade marshmallows are a great touch!
Nancy P. says
Great post about marshmallows I attempted to make some last week. They did not turn out well. Great to know I should keep trying!
Audra says
Nancy if you don’t have the Marshmallow Madness cookbook I highly recommend it! She really breaks down the process :)
Audra says
That’s my favorite scene too! :)
Tracey says
Is there anything better than homemade hot chocolate?? I only drink it once or twice a year, but when I do, homemade is the only thing that’ll do. Love the homemade marshmallows too – this would be such a fun gift!
Ariane says
I love the way you packaged it, ingenius! Hot chocolate is my drink of choice. I’ll be trying out this mix soon :)
Katie says
I love this and I’m going to make it for relatives for Christmas presents. How many mason jars like the one you have above does this make?
Audra says
Hey Katie- It obviously depends on the jar size, but I think this recipe would make about 3 of the jars I used. :) I’d double it if you’re making for a large group!