Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows

Today is a snowy day! Plus, it is weekend! What could be a better way to spend such an afternoon than putting your warm clothes on, and going outside to make a huge snowman with the kids and take lots of lovely pictures. Or you can stay warm watching your favourite tv show on your cozy coach watching the snowflakes out there falling from the sky. Better, you can do both! This is what I did today! Put on warm hat and gloves, for my nephew and my niece, and of course mine too. Found a carrot and an empty bucket. And went out to make a snowman. We had lots of fun! After coming inside, I felt that something was missing... Something that would warm me up... So I decided to make delicious creamy hot chocolate made from real dark Swiss chocolate topped with yummy Marshmallows and a pinch of cinnamon! I served it in beautiful Christmassy mugs. Sat down on my cozy coach and watched my favourite cooking program. This soothing hot chocolate warmed me up despite the freezing weather outside. You will love it too!

Real Hot Chocolate Recipe

(Serves: approx. 4 servings)

Ingredients

• 4 cups milk
• 1/3 cup single cream
• 4 tbsp sugar
• 50 grams dark chocolate
• a pinch of cinnamon

Instructions

1. Chop the chocolate to small pieces.
2. Heat the milk over medium heat in a medium sized saucepan.
3. Add the chopped chocolate to the milk and stir as the chocolate melts.
4. Add cream, sugar, and cinnamon.
5. Top with marshmallows and serve.

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Sahlab (Middle Eastern Milk Pudding)

In these cold snowy days, we would resort to having hot drinks to keep us warm. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate are traditional options. But have you tried home-made "Sahlab"? This winter-hot-foamy-drink is an easy option that is loved by kids and adults alike! It is very common to find "Sahlab" available in the coffee shops in the Middle East. It takes only 10 minutes to prepare, and the kids always ask for a refill right away after finishing the first cup! this is what happened this afternoon, I served "Sahlab" with Shortbread homemade cookies (for recipe please click here) All "Sahlab" was gone and all cookies as well!

This is such a comforting drink that works well for a winter dessert or an afternoon drink. It is healthy and not too sweet. Preparing this drink from scratch tastes much better than the powdered mixture that you can purchase from the supermarket. Follow the recipe and you will love it!

Sahlab (Middle Eastern Milk Pudding) Recipe

(Serves: 4 persons)

Ingredients

• 4 cups milk
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 6 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp shredded coconuts
• Chopped walnuts or pistachios
• 1 tsp Almond extract (optional)
• Raisins (optional)
• 
  

Instructions

1. Combine milk, cornstarch, and vanilla extract and beat with a whisk over medium heat, bring to boil and let the mixture boil for 2 minutes while stirring. (Or until thick and creamy)
2. Serve hot in mugs and top with a pinch of cinnamon, shredded coconuts, and pistachios or walnuts on each serving.

Adding some chopped dried apricots to topping is also a great idea!

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