Warm your soul on Christmas Eve with these hot chocolate drinks

Yes, it’s finally here! December has arrived. The Christmas spirit is rising but the temperature dropping.
When the weather outside is freezing, there’s nothing better than cozying up with a warm cup of hot chocolate. A comforting mug of this delicious drink in our hands makes the time slow down and the smiles start showing. Even though it may seem like an indulgence, did you know that this chilly day treat made with dark chocolate is actually good for your health?

Hot chocolate: Benefits

Well, for one, these hot chocolate recipes truly warm up your whole body, leaving and exquisite and rich taste in your mouth. They are also powered up with all the nutrients and luscious flavor of quality dark chocolate from Ecuador.

It is proven that dark chocolate will not only make you feel happier but it will also lower blood pressure, improve brain function and reduce the risk of heart disease. It is also one of the most important sources of antioxidants and flavonoids that help your skin look young and radiant.

OUR FAVORITE CHRISTMAS HOT CHOCOLATE RECIPES

TRADITIONAL HOT CHOCOLATE

This recipe brings the warm-weather favorite to cozy new levels.

Ingredients: SERVINGS: 2

• 400ml Milk • 2 bars Hoja Verde 100% dark chocolate • 2 tsp honey	• 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1 cinamon stick • Whipped cream to top

Instructions:
• 1. Place the milk into a saucepan with the Hoja Verde 100% dark chocolate (broken into small pieces), the cinnamon and the honey. • 2. Heat gently until the chocolate is completely melted. • 3. Add the vanilla and mix with a small hand whisk until slightly frothy. • 4. Take out the cinnamon stick. • 3. Pour into 2 mugs, and top with whipped cream.

SALTED CARAMEL HOT CHOCOLATE

Making this sweet and rich concoction is about to become a new Christmas tradition.

Ingredients: SERVINGS: 2

• 400ml Milk • 2 bars Hoja Verde 72% dark chocolate • 2 tbp salted caramel sauce	• Whipped cream to top • 2 cinnamon sticks, to serve (optional)

Instructions:
• 1. Pour the milk into a small saucepan with the finely chopped Hoja Verde 72% dark chocolate and the salted caramell sauce. • 2. Warm, stirring over medium heat, until chocolate is melted and you have a rich hot liquid. • 3. Serve with the cinnamon sticks to use as stirrers, top with whipped cream and a drizzling of salted caramel sauce.

CHRISTMAS PEPPERMINT HOT CHOCOLATE

Wake up and smell the peppermint! This hot chocolate will be the best part of your holiday season.

Ingredients: SERVINGS: 4

• 1 tbs cocoa powder • 1/3 cup hot water • 1 ½ cup Hoja Verde 100% dark chocolate chips	• 4 cups whole milk • 1/2 cup heavy cream • 1/3 cup sugar • 7 candy canes finely crushed.

Instructions:
• 1. Mix the cocoa with the hot water to make a thin paste. • 2. Add Hoja Verde 100% dark chocolate chips and the rest of ingredients to a saucepan. • 3. Serve with marshmallows and candy canes.