Food | Pink Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate in the wintertime has always been a unique cultural combination for me. My parents are from Haiti, but they lived in Mexico for several years before I was born. I remember growing up sipping Mexican Hot Chocolate more than any other type. Recently, since I married a European, I began to indulge (perhaps too much) in the wonders of that thick, creamy, and concentrated european hot chocolate style. Now, I've created my own type inspired by the culture of color: pastel hot chocolate! It's super quick to make and a great idea for Valentine's Day, ladies night, or simply amusing your tastebuds. Keep reading for all the deets! 

INGREDIENTS:

• Ghiradelli's White Chocolate Bar (for baking type)
• Milk
• Red Food Coloring (liquid)
• Vanilla (optional)
• Cinnamon (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Break the white chocolate bar into pieces and place into a small sauce pan. Add about 2 cups of milk (more or less depending on how thick you'd like it) and turn on the stove to low.
2. If desired, sprinkle cinnamon and a teaspoon of vanilla for more flavor. 
3. Stir continuously until it begins to simmer. Turn off the heat and add red food coloring until you reach the desired pink color you'd like.
4. Pour into your favorite mugs and top with whip cream or marshmallows if you'd like!

If you've ever tried the Starbucks White Chocolate Mocha, you can make a similar version using this recipe by adding a few tablespoons of concentrated, light roast coffee. Since the white chocolate is, obviously, white, you can make this recipe in any combination of colors to fit a theme or your heart's content. Hope you enjoy it! 

Do you have any favorite hot chocolate recipes or traditions? Feel free to share, I'd love to hear!