The holidays. They make me a little nuts. Each year just when I think I have my sh…stuff together, I realize I’m waaaaay behind. Gifts need to be made, groceries bought, presents wrapped, cards sent, meals planned, goodies baked, gatherings attended, along with all the usual work/kid/husband/house type of stuff. My mind / not handle. AHHH!
What I really want is just to chill out. Enjoy it. And maybe shove some chocolate in my face. No bigs.
This winter staple puts you squarely in the intersection of soothing peppermint tea and rich, comforting chocolate…it’s relaxing yet invigorating. Peppermint is a natural stress reliever and has several health benefits and chocolate solves all worlds problems. Um, that’s not true, but it does make people very happy. This is your time out. Indulge and reenergize.
Beautiful peppermint leaves
Green & Black’s Organic Dark Chocolate (70%)
Mix of dark and milk chocolate; that’s one chocolate mountain I’d love to climb!
Melty-pepperminty-chocolately goodness
share it…or don’t.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
3 palmfuls dried peppermint leaves (about 3 tablespoons)
7 oz dark or milk chocolate, chopped; I used half dark (70% cocoa) & half milk (32% cocoa)
1 – 2 Tablespoons sugar or honey
Warm milk in a medium-sized pot over medium heat, until steam rises. Crush peppermint leaves with your fingers and add it to the milk; steep for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste the milk, and if it’s minty enough strain through several layers of cheesecloth, otherwise steep for another 5 – 10 minutes. Wipe out the pot and return the strained milk to the pot and back to the stove. Add the chopped chocolate to the milk and whisk for about 3-4 minutes, until completely melted, smooth, and slightly thickened. Whisk in sugar or honey. Ladle into small coffee cups and serve with homemade marshmallows or whipped cream. Enjoy!
the Seasonal Veg Head 
Your photos are awesome.
Awww, thanks!