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Friday, December 21, 2012

Polar Express Hot Chocolate (aka The Best Hot Chocolate EVER!)

 Hot Chocolate is so magical to me.  There is nothing like a cup full of chocolatety goodness on a cold, snowy, Christmasy day.

As the weather gets colder and Christmas get closer my kids get so excited for hot chocolate and could drink it probably every day (don't worry I restrain them but with this amazing stuff it's pretty difficult).

I came across this fabulousness on Pinterest and was intrigued, especially because my kids are having a Polar Express themed Christmas--thanks to my parents.

We whipped some up and WOW!  We haven't gone back.  It even beats the premium, gourmet stuff at the restaurants--seriously.  Maybe because it's so high rent (you know the calorie count is quite over the top), but hey it's Christmas and your kids will love it.

Funny story on this hot chocolate first.  We had some friends stop by the other night.  We had just gotten home from taking our kids to see Christmas lights and I had made some of this amazingness to drink when we got back.

We invited them in for some hot cocoa. "St. Farm" (names have been changed to protect the innocent) drank his cup and said several nice things about how this hot chocolate was the best he ever had, even beat a super fancy French restaurant in SLC.  

I was thinking "sweet", that's so nice of him to say but really I knew it was good, but that good?  Well he then proceeds to drink what is left of his two girl's cups, then have what was left in the pan.  Next thing I know he is licking off the ladle and the spoon I had used to stir the cocoa with and even licking out the pan.  Not kidding!!  (and for the record his wife was embarrassed)

So if you don't believe me that this is the best hot chocolate EVER. just ask "St. Farm". 

Polar Express Hot Chocolate

(click here for printable version)

1 can (14oz) sweetened condensed milk
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups whipping cream
6 cups milk
2 tsp vanilla
Optional: whip cream and marshmallows to top it off

1.  In a large, heavy bottom sauce pan combine sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips over medium heat. Stir constantly until chocolate is completely melted and smooth.  Add whipping cream, milk, and vanilla, whisking mixture together till smooth and completely combined.  Serve warm with whip cream or marshmallows. Enjoy!

Tip: If you are making this for a party the mixture can be put in a large crockpot 3-4 hours before serving time, stirring every hour.