Caramel mocha hot chocolate recipe from Werther's

With yet another round of frigid winter air blasting in our direction, now is the perfect time to try out a 

delicious new hot chocolate recipe. This recipe features the always welcome flavor of  Werther’s caramel candies and is sure to please children and adults alike!

CARAMEL MOCHA HOT CHOCOLATE

Ingredients

• 4 cups whole milk
• ¼ cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons instant coffee
• 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, reserving 1 tablespoon for garnish
• 10 pieces Werther’s Original Baking Caramels, unwrapped
• ½ cup whipped cream

Directions

Heat milk, sugar and coffee in a medium size saucepan over medium-high heat until boiling. Stir often to keep the milk from scorching. Reduce heat to low then stir in caramels. Stir frequently and allow the caramels to completely melt. Pour into mugs and garnish with whipped cream and reserved chocolate. 

Four ways to perk up your mug of hot cocoa

Hot Chocolate & Computers (Photo credit: Martin Cathrae)

The nights are turning cooler and the time has come to start enjoying hot chocolate once again. Most nights, a mug of Swiss Miss (with mini marshmallows of course!) is just what I need as I unwind from a busy day of pecking at the keyboard. But there are times when I need my hot chocolate to have a little more pizzazz. Here are my 4 favorite tricks for perking up my hot cocoa.

• Sweeten it with hard candy. Hard candy can add a delightful flavor boost-think butterscotch, cinnamon, caramel or peppermint. Unwrap one of your favorite candies and drop it in your mug. Allow it to dissolve and stir well to mix the flavor. My personal favorite is to add an original Werther's to my mug.
• Spike it with liqueur. For the over 21 set, a healthy splash of liqueur can perk your mug right up. The alcohol can enhance the calming effects of the warm beverage and relax you even more as you sip your cocoa. I enjoy the black raspberry flavor of Chambord and the sweet richness of butterscotch schnapps the best.
• Add more chocolate. Is there such a thing as "too much" chocolate? I didn't think so! You can toss in some chocolate chips or M&M's and let them melt for an extra chocolatey treat. You will want to keep stirring your cocoa as you drink because the melted chocolate likes to settle at the bottom of the cup. You can also use Andes Mints, Reese Pieces and confectionery coatings.
  
• Coffee syrups aren't just for coffee. These versatile syrups are every bit as delicious in your hot chocolate as they are in your morning cup of Joe. Torani and DaVinci offer an amazing variety of syrups to experiment with. Pumpkin pie and toasted marshmallow were instant classics in my kitchen. You can also use coffee creamers to create a lively cup of cocoa. International Delight and Coffeemate both offer money saving coupons so you can indulge on a budget.

Peppermint hot chocolate recipe

Cup of hot chocolate with whipped cream (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Most people indulge in the cool, refreshing flavor of peppermint during the holidays. Good thing for us, we aren't limited in our enjoyment of it. The next time you are in the mood for a hot drink on a cold night, this will perk you right up!

PEPPERMINT HOT CHOCOLATE

• 3 cups nonfat dried milk powder
• 1 cup sugar sugar
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chocolate syrup
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 7 cups water
• whipped cream (garnish)
• crushed candy canes (garnish)

Directions
In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients. In a large saucepan, combine remaining ingredients and stir until thoroughly combined. Slowly whisk in dry ingredients and cook over medium heat until completely hot. Ladel into mugs, garnish with whipped cream and candy canes, serve hot.

White hot chocolate recipe

English: Picture of white hot chocolate taken by myself (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I enjoy chocolate. I enjoy white chocolate even more. Here is a  delicious twist on traditional hot chocolate-this recipe features white chocolate and coffee. Top with whipped cream and stir with a peppermint stick for an extra special treat.

WHITE HOT CHOCOLATE

• 3 ounces chopped white baking chocolate (with cocoa butter)
• 2 cups milk or half & half
• 1/3 cup strongly brewed coffee
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• whipped cream (optional)

Directions
In a saucepan, combine  chocolate and 1/3 cup milk. Cook, stirring frequently, until chocolate is melted. Stir in remaining milk. Heat thoroughly while stirring. Add coffee and vanilla and serve immeditaely. Garnish with whipped cream if desired. Makes 2 servings.

Cook's Notes-this recipe can easily be made into an adult beverage by adding a shot of Kahlua or Bailey's just prior to serving.

Instant hot cocoa recipe

cup of hot chocolate with whipped cream and cocoa powder (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Overnight temperatures are predicted to be in the 20's for the most of the upcoming week. Now is the perfect time to indulge in a glass of homemade hot chocolate. Make a double batch of this cocoa mix and store in an airtight container and be prepared for the chill nights of autumn and winter. This mix also makes a much appreciated holiday gift. Package it in a decorative jar and include the directions for use on a printed tag tied on with raffia or curling ribbon.

INSTANT HOT CHOCOLATE MIX

• 2 cups nonfat dry milk
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 4 teaspoons cocoa
• dash of salt

Directions
Mix all ingredients together well and store in a covered container.
To Use
Stir 1/3 cup of cocoa mix into 1 cup hot steaming water. Stir until completely dissolved. For an even richer drink, stir mix into 1 cup steaming milk.