Creamy Crockpot Hot Cocoa

YUM, YUMMY, YUMMIRIFIC!!

I had this first at a friends house and then had to make it on my own.  Rich, creamy and oh so delicious.

I did make a few adjustments to make it a little healthier!  I thought it was still just as good and maybe not so heavy with the adjustments.  I will give both recipes and you can decide!!

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Creamy Crock pot Hot Cocoa

(found on pinterest from MrsHappyHomemaker.com)

• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (I only did 3/4 cups)
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
• 2 cups milk chocolate chips
• 6 cups milk (I added another 3/4 cups)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Stir all ingredients together in your crock pot.  I basically halved the cream and then added more milk to make up the difference.  I will definitely do this all the time!

Cover and cook on low for 2 hours ~ coming back to whisk occasionally.  Garnish with marshmallows or whipped cream if desired. 

Enjoy on these cold winter days!  Great to start and have ready when kids get home!

Orange Julius

I found this recipe shared on a craft blog (the idea room) that I like to look at for fun ideas! She shared this recipe that her son put together from a foods class at his school!

I made this after church and it was super yummy! The kids thought it tasted like those orange dreamsicles!

It was a great treat and reminded me of the days of finding these at the mall in California!

Orange Julius

(the Idea Room)

• 6 oz frozen orange juice concentrate (I thawed mine)
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 8 ice cubes

Combine all ingredients (except the ice) in your blender. Blend for about 1-2 minutes. (I had a 12 oz can of orange juice and just used the rest to make orange juice).

Now add the ice cubes 1 at a time. When ice is blended, pour and enjoy!!

Homemade Hot Chocolate

A few years ago I was given this recipe for hot chocolate you could give away as a gift! I made a few batches this year too and was asked to share the recipe! You could also make this up for yourself to have on hand on those cold days for the kids (or you) when they come inside!

Homemade Hot Chocolate

• 8 oz semisweet chocolate chips
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

For mix, in a large bowl combine chocolate chips, sugar, cocoa, and cinnamon. Spoon into container, jar, or self sealing plastic bag. Cover or seal. Include the following recipe directions.

To make 4 servings of hot chocolate, in a medium saucepan combine 2/3 cup cocoa mix and 1/4 cup water. Stir over medium heat until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Whisk in 4 cups milk, half-and-half, or light cream; heat through, whisking occasionally. Pour into mugs. Mix makes 12 servings!

No-Egg Eggnog

This recipe is from Marguerite. It is a great eggnog recipe, and is great for this time of year!!

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1 pkg French vanilla instant pudding (small)

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla

2 cups milk

2/3 cup sugar

Combine in blender and blend well. Place in large container.

ADD:

3 cups milk

1 cup whipping cream, whipped. Fold in.

Add dash of nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves.

Cool before serving. Keep refrigerated.

Hospitality Cup or Wassail

Here is a drink I love. I didn't even start liking it until last year and my mom has been making it for years. I guess tastes change. It is a super secret recipe she got when she was in Home Ec in high school. You can only get this recipe here (JK:). Everyone has a different name for it. The recipe my mom has calls it hospitality cup. I love it--really warms you up and is ooooo so good!! (I think Emily had like 5 cups tonight, I won't tell how many I had all day:)!

1 cup sugar
3 cups water
6 whole cloves
1 cinnamon stick
Simmer 10 minutes and let stand for flavors to mix (several hours). Remove spices and heat in large kettle, then add:
3 cups apple juice or apple cider
2 cups orange juice
2 cups pineapple juice
1/4 cup lemon juice

Bring juices to simmer, just below boiling. Serves 12 teacups.