Have you ever heard of the word Hygge ? If you haven’t, google it and you will know why it is everything you want from winter - and also my favourite word. Hygge (pronounced hue-gah) is a danish word that roughly translates into coziness or warmth. Unlike the coziness of being in your blanket or sitting near a bonfire, this is more of a cozy feeling - for me, it would mean having drinks with a really old friend, or spending the weekend snuggling with my dogs, or drinking hot chocolate and watching old episodes of friends with my mum.
If you really truly want to feel it, I recommend you do the following: 1) cancel all productive plans for tonight. 2) Get together close girlfriends / a fun family member / boyfriend / neighbor 3) Do something together – but something real, like play scattergories and taboo, watch a movie 4) Drink hot chocolate together because its basically how hygge tastes.
I’m writing here, my recipe for peppermint hot chocolate (!!). Last year I made a delicious version of this as a part of my #projectxhotchocolate series. This year, I did it a little differently. Instead of smothering it in whipped cream like last time, I’ve decided that 1 tsp of lightly sweetened whipped cream is enough. Less is more. And I also added these homemade bourbon vanilla marshmallows – they honestly deserve their own post because can I just say how satistying it is to make marshmallows at home! Epicurious has the recipe for this one, but lots of incredible marshmallow recipes are on my to-try list from Food 52, Bon Appetit, Saveur.
Before I digress, here is the recipe:
Ingredients:
2 cups milk
3/4 cup chocolate chips
½ tsp peppermint extract
2 peppermint sticks
1 tbsp sugar
Whipped Cream
Marshmallows
In a saucepan, heat 1 cup milk and the chocolate on low heat.
Add a peppermint stick and stir until the chocolate is completely melted.
Add another cup of hot milk.
Add a tablespoon sugar & ½ tsp peppermint extract and stir vigorously until it’s frothy.
Using a pair of tongs, remove the peppermint stick and pour into 2 cups
Add a dollop of whipped cream and a marshmallow on top.
Sprinkle crushed peppermint