I decided to stay home this weekend as Calgary goes in to a deep freeze with windchill of -40°C and beyond. We are currently sitting at -28°C and looking outside my window, all I can see is the moonlight glistening over the snow that has buried all signs of life underneath. No sight of sun, nor the blue sky for so many days. I hate to keep track of days when I haven't seen the sun shining over me. It worries me slightly as we might not be able to enjoy any outdoor activities for the New Year's Eve. Last year I flew back home to meet my family over the winter break and I dearly miss that. Today made me wonder, how all the plans we make for the future could suddenly halt because "baby its cold outside" - like frigid cold.
We know winters like nobody's business and whenever my friends look at my pictures in the snow they often wonder why I am without a hat, or gloves? My answer - when you have experienced minus 30 degrees (add windchill to that as well), anything warmer than that feels comfortable. Despite all that, I love winters and the white cover of snow on everything, holiday baking, soups and shopping!! I am guilty of spending much more during the holiday season than in any other month throughout the year. There is something about this time of the year, when I want to reorganize my wardrobe, shake things up around the house. May be its the anticipation of guests that forces me to get into action and organize my home, get some home decor and extra lighting. Probably the only thing that hides the stress off my face is the food, of course, and the holiday lights! They add a warm glow to everyone's faces, and brightens up everything outside and inside too and also the gamut of hot drinks that we can enjoy with our family around the fireplace.
Food gathers everyone and my ultimate favorite is popcorn and hot chocolate! We watch movies until we are sleepy while sipping this mildly spicy, kid friendly hot chocolate. Let me share this recipe with you and you can thank me later.
Hot Chocolate Recipe
- Simmer 1/3 cup of water in a saucepot on medium heat
- Whisk in 1 tbsp of cocoa powder
- Let it simmer for 30 seconds, then remove from heat and add 1 cup of milk and whisk gently
- Add 1/3 cup of dark chocolate chips and whisk
- Continue whisking until chocolate chips have dissolved completely and the mixture looks smooth
- Add 1/8 tsp of cinnamon powder (optional)
- Pour in to a mug and add some whipped cream on top and a stick of cinnamon
- If you don't have whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream does the job
- Sprinkle some cocoa powder on top if you like
- Enjoy!
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