Snow in the forecast, chilly winds, wearing my goose-down parka and my hand knit wool scarf and the only thing I can think of is getting inside, peeling off the layers and sinking into the sofa with my spicy hot cocoa and my furry little, long-haired Chihuahua, Diego.
I’d like to say I sit and curl up with a book or a good magazine but truth is, every time I grab something to read, little Diego perks up and wants to play. I’ll try to calm him down by scratching behind his ear which works for about a minute! He loves the attention and soon enough he’ll have his little paw, face or bottom on my book. Never fails! So the local news will have to do for now and that’s fine by me. Spicy hot cocoa, a pooch that doubles as a heated water bottle and catching up on the world outside, it’s just good for the soul.
*gotta get a better pic of him! took above with my phone
Spicy Hot Cocoa with Strawberry Marshmallows
8 oz of milk
8 oz of evaporated milk
2-3 oz of dark chocolate, about 2 sq inch depending on how dark you like your cocoa
1 tsp ground cayenne pepper
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
Melt your favorite dark chocolate over low to medium heat, stirring constantly making sure chocolate does not burn. Add milk, evaporated milk and all the spices until well blended. Turn heat up and continue to stir until milk boils.
I topped my spicy hot cocoa with handmade strawberry marshmallows I purchased from one of my favorite desserts shop in the city, Three Tarts. They have wonderful desserts and a very cute gift boutique.
