Saturday's Party--Hot Chocolate On a Stick

HOT CHOCOLATE ON A STICK

Thanks to everyone for linking up to last's week's party!  And I'm sorry for being so late getting this one up.  I need to plan better, I know.

Here's a taste of what was shared:

Jen, from Iron Violet Designs linked up these adorable snowman candybars!  I love it!  I'm stealing it for K-Girl's 3rd brithday party next week.  (Watch for a guest post from Jen soon!)

We're getting close to football time, aren't we? Check out this Tex-Mex Chili Dip from Martha over at Seaside Simplicity!

And now, because I don't want to keep you waiting, and because it's snowing outside and I want hot chocolate now, I'm going to share with you this awesome Hot Chocolate On a Stick.

I don't think I can drink hot chocolate any other way now, after having this.

Surprisingly, it was rather easy too.  You could do it the hard way (melting the chocolate over a double boiler) but my microwave worked just fine.

HOT CHOCOLATE ON A STICK
Posted at: http://recipesofacheapskate.blogspot.com
Originally from: Givers Log

• 16 oz GOOD chocolate--Ghiradelli gave me the best results compared to other basic grocery store chocolates
• 1/2 cup cocoa
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 3/4-1 cup HOT milk, or milk/cream combo per stick 

Other supplies

• ice cube tray to mold
• craft sticks (can pick up at any craft store)

Yields about 2 dozen sticks

Break the 4 chocolate bars up into smaller pieces, and melt in increments of 30 seconds in the microwave.  Stir after every time!  When the chocolate is almost melted, but still has a few chunks you're done!  Stir it until all the chunks melt.  Add the cocoa and the powdered sugar and stir well.  It's going to be rather thick.  If it gets too thick to stir well, stick it back in the microwave for like 10 seconds, just to soften the chocolate up again.  If you have access to a disposible piping bag (like wilton's) it works great!  If not, you can place the chocolate in a HEAVY DUTY ziplock bag.  Cut the tip off, and pipe into your container of choice.  I used the ice cube trays, I've heard of people using muffin tins, or shot glasses.  The ice cube trays, when full, hold about 1oz of chocolate, give or take a tiny bit.  Smack the trays on the counter a few times to get the tops rather even.  Add your sticks, and then let them sit until firm.  Or put in the fridge for about 30 minutes.  When you're ready to serve them, pour your hot milk (about 3/4-1 cup) into your mug, add your stick and stir until the chocolate is completely melted. 

Keep sticks in a closed container to store.  Not the fridge, because they'll soak of fridge odors and be gross. :)  They can be stored for a long time (like 6months or something). DON'T let water or other liquids touch the chocolate.  It will seize up and be ruined. 

Variations:
-Use a straight candy-cane as the stick
-Try half white chocolate, half dark chocolate
-Dip the finished sticks in melting candies and roll in crushed candy canes, marshmallows, red hots, ect.
-To add flavoring (such as mint, vanilla) or coloring use a paste or a powder, since liquid will cause you problems.  You could just scrape a vanilla bean. 

(Linked up at Potluck Sunday, Fantastic Friday, Friday's Potluck, )

SATURDAY'S PARTY

• Please link to your original POST, not directly to your blog's homepage.
• Anything pertaining to a party is welcome! Food, drinks, decoration ideas, theme ideas, etc.
• Grab the Saturday's party button to add to your post, or link back to this post so others can come here and see the other great party ideas!
• go check out the other bloggers and see what they made!  Who knows, you might find a new blog to follow!

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