Cooking 101 - Holiday Food: Drinks

Holiday drink recipes better than instant mix

As the last leaves fall and the temperature drops, a hot drink may be just the thing to warm up the season. After a long, cold, wintry day of classes, a great way to warm up and wind down is to prepare a delicious cup of peppermint hot chocolate or mulled cider. With finals around the corner, many of us will be in need of a tasty alternative to our usual weekend beverage of choice. So instead of resorting to a pack of instant mix or facing the cold weather to get to the nearest coffee shop, have fun at home experimenting with new recipes that put a twist on the traditional drinks. These two holiday beverage recipes are excellent choices requiring minimal ingredients and preparation time, but are sure to offer maximum taste and warmth.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 1/2 cups milk
1/4 cup sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
3 drops peppermint oil
Sweetened whipped cream, for garnish
Chocolate shavings, for garnish

In a saucepan, combine the cream, milk, sugar and salt and heat over medium-low heat. When the cream mixture just begins to steam, add the chopped chocolate and stir until melted. Stir in the peppermint oil. Divide the hot chocolate among mugs and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
Source: Jackie Riley

Mulled Cider

1 quart fresh cider
1 large cinnamon stick
Zest of one lemon
Sprinkle clove powder
3 grates of fresh nutmeg

Combine all ingredients in saucepan. Bring to simmer. Strain and serve.
Source: Rachael Ray

Be sure to try out these fun holiday drink recipes over Thanksgiving break.