Hot Drink Recipes: During these months, many times our thoughts wander to hot chocolate, hot flavored coffees or special ice cream drinks. Steaming mugs of hot chocolate are just the thing for children and adults to seek enjoyment. What better way to welcome friends and family into your home than with the scent of freshly brewed coffee? Here are a few recipes that will not only great in taste, but they can be made for one person or for larger family and friend get-togethers. They’ll also make anyone who visits your home feel special and that you were glad they came to see you.
Ice Cream and Chocolate Drink
By using your blender, combine whipping cream, with the help (several scoops) of your favorite flavor of ice cream, some pecan nuts (make sure no 
one is allergic!), a banana, and some chocolate syrup. This yummy combo drink would look great in a tall glass and garnished it with whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles, a few nuts, and a sprig of mint. This version isn’t low-fat, but it could easily be made with low-fat ice cream and low-fat chocolate syrup to cut a few calories.
Cappuccino
Begin grinding your favorite espresso coffee beans in a coffee mill or grinder. Brew the espresso as you would have otherwise. While that is brewing, combine a few tablespoons of sugar and a dash of cinnamon in a small bowl.
You’ll need a small saucepan and a vanilla bean. Using a small paring knife, scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean into the small saucepan, then add milk (around four cups) to the saucepan and scald over medium heat for about five minutes. Remove the bean and milk mixture from the heat, add some chopped bittersweet chocolate, and stir until the chocolate melts. Place this mixture over low heat and cover it to keep it warm.
Next, divide the freshly brewed espresso into four coffee mugs. In a blender, whip half of the warm chocolate milk mixture at a low speed. Gradually, increase the speed to high and blend the mixture until it is frothy. Pour the remainder of the chocolate milk mixture from the saucepan into the coffee mugs (with the coffee), stir once and then top each mug with some of the frothy milk from the blender. To garnish, top with whipped cream and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar blend on top. It would look really special with a few chocolate shavings on top as well.
Hot Chocolate
Rich and creamy hot chocolate is sure to please even your most discerning chocolate lover.
Begin by breaking four squares of baking chocolate into a small saucepan. Add two cups of milk (skim or 2% – it’s your choice) and a few drops of vanilla (the real stuff is best). Heat over medium heat until the chocolate has melted, but don’t let it boil, then it will have a burned taste. Once the chocolate is melted, then whisk the mixture until it is foamy and then pour it into large mugs. Garnish this chocolate goodness with a dollop of whipped cream, cinnamon and a dash of cloves
