Pastor Julie’s Holly-Jolly Hot Chocolate

Ingredients (Serves 6)

• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp peppermint extract (optional for a holiday twist)
• Pinch of salt

Toppings: whipped cream, mini marshmallows, crushed candy cane, chocolate shavings

Instructions

1. In a large pot, warm the milk and cream over medium heat until steaming (not boiling).
2. Whisk in cocoa powder, sugar, and salt until smooth.
3. Add chocolate chips and stir until fully melted.
4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla (and peppermint extract if using).
5. Ladle into mugs and garnish with anything festive—marshmallows, whipped cream, crushed peppermint, or chocolate curls.

Tip: For events, keep warm in a slow cooker on “warm.”