homemade double chocolate peppermint mocha

I didn't realize how much I loved peppermint and chocolate until I went two winters without much in this flavor combination. This winter, I am loving peppermint, particularly when paired with chocolate. A candy cane, stirred into hot chocolate, is oh so good. This grown-up version can be made with a candy cane or peppermint extract.

HOMEMADE DOUBLE CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT MOCHA
from Baking Bites

2 oz white chocolate (Dove bar)
2 oz dark chocolate (Dove bar)
6 oz milk
6 oz hot coffee
1 candy cane and/or peppermint extract
whipped cream (optional)

CHOP white and dark chocolate in the small chunks. In a small saucepan, combine chocolates with milk and cook over medium-heat, stirring frequently, until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth.

POUR into a large coffee mug and add hot coffee.

STIR with candy cane to infuse peppermint flavor or add a drop of peppermint extract. If desired, top with whipped cream and crushed peppermints.

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homemade gingerbread latte

Do you follow the change of the seasons with the merchandise at Starbucks? As the weather turns colder, I eagerly anticipate the arrival of Christmas at Starbucks. During my first Christmas abroad, the red paper cup was a welcoming touch in a strange land. For me, the simple disposable container was a recognition of my holiday, my culture, and my traditions. Carrying around the cup made everything seem more festive, whether it was filled with a dark cherry mocha, toffee nut latte, or one of their normal menu items. I could just hear the Christmas carols ringing in my head as a sipped away on my seasonal treat.

While I appreciate the Starbucks Christmas cheer of the past few winters, there is a little discontentment for those other holiday beverages available a hop, skip, and a plane ride away. To satisfy those longings, I turn to some recipes from Baking Bites and make my own Christmas drinks.

HOMEMADE GINGERBREAD LATTE
from Baking Bites

5 oz hot coffee (2/3 cup)
3 oz hot milk (1/3 cup)
2 ½ tsp sugar
1 ½ tsp molasses
pinch ground cinnamon
pinch ground cloves
pinch ground nutmeg
pinch ground ginger
whipped cream (optional)

COMBINE coffee, sugar, molasses and spices in a coffee mug.

STIR in hot milk.

GARNISH with whipped cream and a sprinkle of additional spice, if desired.

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