A tired, happy boy gets ready for hot chocolate at Rendezvous Cafe at Whistler-Blackcomb. (Photo by Jillian O’Connor)
My younger son’s favorite hot chocolate ever came from a small coffee stand on top of a mountain in Canada.
He had so many reasons to be delighted. Not only was he getting a break from “being forced to ski,” but he also got to enjoy a way over-the-top beverage.
One that was so extreme that his mom just had to photograph it. Piled high with marshmallows and whipped cream, and topped off with chocolate sauce, too.
So, inspired by that magical concoction, and combining it with a standout cocoa feature from the Muddy Waters Coffee Company stand in Ravenna (whipped cream with rainbow sprinkles!), we’re going to create the ultimate decadent hot chocolate.
It’s guaranteed that kids will have a blast mixing and matching what they want to put in their extra-special hot chocolate.
First: The cocoa.
You can start with an envelope mix, but make sure you use heated milk, not hot water. Hershey’s cocoa powder has a good recipe (“Perfectly Chocolate” Hot Cocoa) written on most of Hershey’s cocoa powder boxes.
Second: Build the hot cocoa bar.
What you’ll need to set out:
Mini marshmallows
Whipped cream
Chocolate syrup
Rainbow sprinkles
And if you want to go way overboard (and I recommend this), add:
Graham cracker crumbs
Caramel topping
Chocolate sprinkles
Crushed peppermints or mint extract
Whole candy canes for stirring
Crushed Oreos
Shredded coconut
Marshmallow Fluff (or Kraft Jet-Puffed Marshmallow Creme, or equivalent)
Cocoa powder or cinnamon to dust on top
Sparkly rainbow-colored sugar
Bon appétit! (This isn’t just a drink. It’s a meal.)
More food ideas
Try Sadie’s scrumptious jelly doughnuts this Hanukkah
Cooking with kids: apple and peanut butter tarts
