One of Mitchell’s all-time-favorite treats was hot chocolate.  When it snowed around the holidays, he always asked if I’d make my ‘famous hot chocolate’.  At least he thought it was famous.  With a warm cup in hand, he’d sit by the window and watch the snow fall and enjoy his warm treat.  Our family has many good memories making hot chocolate.  I’ve shared this a few years ago but want to share it again for those who may have missed it.

There’s nothing original about this recipe; in fact, I’m sure Pinterest is filled with a hundred thousand variations.  But this was our simple recipe and it was something Mitch loved and some of you might like it, too.

1. Warm milk to a boil over the stove.

2. Add chocolate shavings (Mitch really liked Lindt Milk Chocolate)
   He would often take candy bars and use a cheese grater to make the shavings

3. Generally, 3 ounces of chocolate for every 2 cups of milk works well.

4. Slowly stir chocolate shavings into simmering milk and whisk until completely dissolved

5. Add chocolate to preferred taste

6. Whipped cream, with a puff of cinnamon and sprinkled graham cracker crumbs on top always made it feel extra special.  Sometimes Mitch even wanted crushed candy cane on top. 

As with so many things in life, what we do is often less important in life than how we do it.   Having hot chocolate was fun but making it together as a family made both a treat and a memory.  And memories are sweeter and last much longer.

With the holidays around the corner, I’m reminded that while we might give each other gifts this season… love, time and attention are some of the greatest gifts we can give each other.