National Cocoa Day

Hello, everyone!

Christmas is just around the corner, but it feels more like April here in Chicago. I can’t believe Christmas is next week!

We Chicagoans are used to cold weather—we spent the past two winters in sub zero temperatures!—so this year’s weather has been quite strange. It was nearly 60 degrees yesterday!

But whatever the weather, it’s hot chocolate season, and a little warm weather isn’t going to stop us from celebrating the Christmas season with a little hot cocoa!

In fact, National Cocoa Day was on Dec. 12. Of course we celebrated!

We’ve shared our favorite hot chocolate recipe before, but there’s a cool tool we used this weekend that made our hot chocolate extra smooth and frothy.

This cute little contraption is a hot chocolate pot we got a few years ago from Williams-Sonoma. The wand that’s sticking out the top is a frother, and not only is it fun to use, but it made our hot chocolate silky smooth.

Unfortunately, Williams-Sonoma isn’t selling this particular pot anymore, but you can buy the frother here (and that’s the important part!).

Use it all year round to make your cappuccinos, lattes and milkshakes extra rich and frothy. It’s the little things that make everyday treats extra indulgent!

Of course, what you mix in (and put on top of) your hot chocolate is important, too.

If you’re setting up a hot chocolate bar this Christmas—and you should; just imagine everyone in their pj’s sitting around the tree or in front of the fire and enjoying each others’ company. The only thing missing is a warm mug of cocoa in your hand!—consider having these ingredients on hand so everyone can personalize their cocoa:

Candy canes or crushed up peppermint
Cinnamon sticks
Chocolate chips
Caramel candies or syrup
Nutella
Gingerbread or sugar cookies (for dipping)
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
Hershey Bars
York Peppermint Patties
Toasted coconut
For the adults: Bailey’s, Kaluha or Peppermint Schnopps

The ideas are endless!

Of course, no mug of hot chocolate is complete without whipped cream and marshmallows. These snowflake marshmallows are so sweet!

And what do you think of these adorable little polka-dot spoons? They’re the cutest, right? (And also perfect for mixing together all the goodies in your hot cocoa!)