DIY Peppermint Hot Cocoa with Whipped Cream

I love a good fun-filled weekend.

I love good friends and family.

I love delicious holiday eats, sitting by my pretty Christmas tree and hanging out with this guy...

I don't love settling in for the Giants game (which I look forward to all week) only to have them suck wind in the 4th quarter and lose terribly to their rival team. It's not a fun way to end the weekend. I just don't love it.

And though I'm still reeling from the Giants collapse this afternoon, I'm now hoping that the Jets can pull it through with a win for my man. One of us should be happy, right?

Meanwhile, I'm drowning my sorrows - and keeping warm - with a few drinks DIY hot cocoa and I'm loving every sip. Minty, chocolatey and (of course) whipped creamy, this is my favorite holiday drink to date!

Peppermint Hot Cocoa with Whipped Cream
*Adapted from Hershey’s
For the cocoa:
2 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ tsp salt
1 C milk
¼ tsp vanilla extract
splash peppermint extract
For the whipped cream:
1 C heavy cream
¼ C confectioners sugar
¼ tsp vanilla extract

Get out your festive holiday mug. Mine is from last year’s Target holiday collection and I simply adore it.

Mix up the sugar, cocoa powder and salt.

In a glass measuring cup, heat the milk in the microwave (about 1-2 minutes). Pour into the mug of sugary, cocoa goodness and mix it all up. Add the vanilla and peppermint. (Note: the teeniest bit of peppermint goes a long way. The first time I made this, I really overdid it on the extract and let's just say that I no longer had a stuffy nose...)

For the whipped cream, which I made in advance, place the heavy cream, sugar and vanilla in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, or in a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer. Mix at medium high speed until peaks form and it’s smooth and whipped cream-like. Don’t over mix!

Place a large dollop of cream in the hot chocolate and take a couple of rogue spoonfuls to sample while you’re at it. You know, just to make sure it tastes good.

Enjoy! Isn't this a great DIY solution to expensive hot cocoas? I personally am loving it! So with that i n mind, I want to know, what is your favorite beverage?