Hygge hot chocolate recipe

December is finally upon us. These frosty crisp days are made more tolerable with a hot restorative beverage. I usually opt for a mug of steaming Irish tea or an invigorating cup of coffee. However, on certain days the only thing that will do is a blissful mug of indulgent hot chocolate to embrace the changing season. 

I have my hot chocolate in a mug without handles, which allows me to hug it with both hands, and absorb all the lovely comforting warmth. Here is my very simple recipe that can be whipped up in 5 mins, and deliver instant happiness to your day.

'Hygge' Hot Chocolate

Makes: 2-3 Cups | cooking time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:
4 cups of whole milk (you can choose a milk of your own choice).
1/4 cups of chocolate buttons/chips (I used Dairy Milk buttons and two squares of 70% Lindt chopped coarsely to cut the sweetness of the milk chocolate).
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract (I used Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract)
1 Packet of marshmallows (I used Princess Marshmallows as they aren't too sweet and are lovely and fluffy without being too chewy and firm).

Directions:
1. Heat the milk in a saucepan to boiling point and then switch to a lower heat.
2. Add the vanilla and mix gently into the milk.
3. Turn the heat down to the lowest temperature.
4. Add the chocolate in at this point and whisk into the milk until completely melted and frothy.
5. Serve immediately in large mugs and top with a handful of marshmallows, which will bob and gently melt on the frothy milky surface. Drink, relax and enjoy!

On a cold November day

As November departs, we leave behind autumn, and all the wondrous changes of colour it brings. Winter is on its way, and it brings with it its own magical touches; frost tipped fingers, cosy nights by a crackling fire, dreaming of the coming festivities, and pondering about what opportunities may await on the arrival of a brand new year. Here is my snapshot of the last day of November.

In my hands

October is finally here; my favourite month. Not only was I born in October (which entitles me to love it even more) it also radiates a dazzling spectrum of colours, and possesses a palpable sense of 'hygge'. Furthermore, it marks the end of the foraging season for me. The next few weeks will be a busy time stocking up.

Wherever I go I'm always scanning my surroundings for that one exquisite find. Mother Nature is my supply closet, and I usually end each day with a handful of curiosities from her seasonal collection. Here's a few of those treasures; from blackberries, acer seeds, hawthorn berries to the first fallen autumn leaves.