Fancy Hot Chocolate
Everyone loves hot chocolate, but not everyone has experienced the decadent bliss of fancy hot chocolate. What makes it fancy? Careful preparation and two different kinds of high-quality chocolate. This is a great recipe to acquaint the kiddos with the basics of stovetop cooking, and the final product is so delicious they’ll be begging to cook every chance they get.
Recipe courtesy Bon Appetit
INGREDIENTS
3 tablespoons cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed), plus more for serving
3 cups whole milk
3 ounces semisweet chocolate (preferably Scharffen Berger), finely chopped
3 tablespoons demerara or granulated sugar
Lightly sweetened whipped cream (for serving)
DIRECTIONS
Bring ¾ cup water to a simmer in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk in 3 Tbsp. cocoa powder until no lumps remain, then add milk and return to a simmer. Whisk in chocolate and sugar and cook, whisking frequently, until mixture is smooth and creamy and chocolate is melted, about 5 minutes.
Divide hot chocolate among mugs. Top with whipped cream and dust with cocoa powder.
Harry’s Hot Butterbeer
Don’t be confused by the name—this hearty dessert drink, inspired by everyone’s favorite boy wizard, is not only non-alcoholic and kid-friendly, it’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser. As a bonus, it provides the perfect opportunity for a themed cabin party. Decorate, dress up, and queue up your favorite movie (bring your own DVDs, or use your favorite digital streaming service with the in-cabin smart TVs).
Recipe courtesy The TipToe Fairy
INGREDIENTS
2 cups milk
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
2-3 tablespoons hot butterscotch topping
1 cup cream soda
DIRECTIONS
Combine milk, butter, and brown sugar and whisk together. Heat in the microwave for 3 minutes.
Stir and heat for an additional 3-4 minutes until milk is foaming.
Remove from microwave and whisk together until the butter is well mixed in and sugar is completely dissolved.
Heat hot butterscotch topping for 30 seconds. Then, stir in 2 tablespoons of hot butterscotch into the milk mixture until completely dissolved.
Next, add in 1 cup of cream soda and mix well. (You can cheat and add root beer if you don’t have cream soda, but it’s much better with cream soda.)
Top with Hot Butterscotch Whipped Cream.
Peppermint Mocha
One of the best things about winter is indulging at your coffeeshop of choice with a seasonally-tinged variation on a latte, cappuccino or mocha. McCurtain County is lucky to have several fantastic coffeeshops, but if you’re dealing with inclement weather or prefer to stay in for the evening, here’s how to make a peppermint mocha without ever leaving your cabin—no espresso machine required.
Recipe courtesy Smart Little Cookie
INGREDIENTS
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
2 tablespoons chocolate fudge
1 cup brewed coffee
Whipped cream (optional)
Crushed candy canes or starlight mints
DIRECTIONS
In a small pot heat up milk, cocoa powder, chocolate fudge and sugar. Remove from heat when it starts to boil.
Add peppermint extract.
Pour milk into a mug and use a frother to froth the milk.
Over the side of the mug, pour in brewed coffee.
Top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes or mints, if desired.
Classic Hot Toddy
Sometimes simple is best—especially when whiskey is involved. Case in point: the Hot Toddy, a perennial cold weather favorite, and the perfect nightcap to a winter evening of celebration or romance. Just remember to drink responsibly and keep the bottle out of reach if there are children around.
Recipe courtesy Epicurious
INGREDIENTS
1 oz (2 tablespoons) bourbon, rye, or scotch whiskey
1 tablespoon mild honey
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup boiling-hot water
DIRECTIONS
Put whiskey, honey, and lemon juice in a 6-ounce mug. Top off with hot water and stire until honey is dissolved.
Most of these ingredients can be found locally at Pruett’s Food in Broken Bow, and libations can be purchased from several area liquor stores. However, for specialty ingredients (such as super fancy Dutch cocoa) and personal favorites, consider bringing them with you, as there’s no guarantee you’ll find them in McCurtain County.
Book a cabin and start planning your weekend getaway to McCurtain County today.
