If I didn’t have your attention at “chocolate”, no doubt your interest was piqued at “adult-friendly”! In our family, the moment we feel that first bite of winter wind, we rush to the kitchen and pull out those instant cocoa packets from way in the back of the cabinets. You know, the ones that you feel like you should maybe check the expiration date first? But, when we’re ready to take our hot chocolate game up a notch, we turn to the our tried and true (and simple!), crock-pot recipe. Sometimes the simplest recipes have the best taste. I also feel this was about rice krispy treats. Cereal, marshmallows and butter. How do those three things create such yummy goodness? Currently, there are rice krispy treats in my kitchen. And I can’t stop thinking about them. But anywho…back to chocolate. Hot chocolate!
I love to host parties. I’m always looking for a reason to host. One of the most fun things I do for a party during the holiday season is to create a hot chocolate bar. Especially the adult-friendly kind. I love giving my guests lots of festive options to create their personalized concoction. Plus, with so many cute display choices (read: so. many. jars & twine from hobby lobby) your bar spread can really add to the holiday spirit. I’m so excited to share my super easy recipes and simple bar ideas that will make a not-so-simple statement at your next holiday gathering.
Crock-Pot Creamy Hot Chocolate
1.5 cups of heavy cream
1 can of sweetened condensed milk
2 cups of chopped chocolate
6 cups of whole milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
a dash of coarse sea salt
What is so wonderful about this recipe, besides the 2 cups of chocolate, is how simple it is. Gather all your ingredients in your crock-pot. Set the temperature to low for 2 hours. Change setting to warm. Boom. Done!
Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream
But, what is hot chocolate without some whipped up goodness on top? So I give you the best dang whipped cream you’ll whip-up (see what I did there) in minutes!
1 cup of heavy cream (or you can use the cream from a can of coconut cream)
3/4 cup powdered sugar
3 vanilla beans
2 tsp vanilla extract
Again, another throw-it-all-together and mix-it-up recipe that equals a party in your mouth. The hardest part is making sure you don’t lick the bowl clean before you get a dollop this bad boy atop of your choc-o-late!
Now Let’s Get Serious
We did say “adult-friendly” right? There are several options out there for adulting-up your chocolate beverage, one quick Pinterest search and you’ll be flooded with recipes! But these are my personal favorites from several winters of playing around with flavors and toppings. The foundation for all of these is the same. Start with my crock-pot hot chocolate and then pick your poison.
Kerrygold Irish Cream – 1 shot of the liqueur, dollop of whipped cream and chocolate or caramel sauce.
Bailey’s Mint Chocolate Irish Cream – 1 shot of liqueur, dollop of whipped cream, peppermint stick and chocolate sauce.
Black Cherry Bourbon (Red Stag) – 1 shot of the bourbon, a dollop of whipped cream and chocolate sauce.
RumChata – 1 shot of rum and throw in a few white chocolate chips to give it a little twist.
Blue Agave Mezcal – 1 shot of mezcal, 1/4 tsp pf chipotle powder, dollop of whipped cream and a dash of cayenne powder over the cream.
There you have it! Like I said, the possibilities are endless so have fun with it. And don’t forget to invite your friends over when you do!