Baby it’s cold outside…but our holiday kitchen is brimming with warmth.

Perhaps nothing warms the holiday soul, quite like a cup of hot cocoa!

Not just any  hot cocoa…this mug of hot chocolate is infused with Star Anise {a licorice-like spice}

and hot chili flakes. OH and did I mention there is an adorable  mini

gingerbread house, resting on the rim?!

 

 

These swoon worthy little gingerbread houses that hug the rim, are SO simple and fun to make.

Mix up your favorite gingerbread cookie recipe and then use a special mini gingerbread house cookie cutter to create

                          the 3-D house. You can find the cookie cutter HERE. Head to your local craft store

to find decorative extras, like the dusting of snow and red

bow plus edible { Wilton } adhesive –  to secure the decorations to your

gingerbread house. AS for the hot Cocoa, my quick and delicious recipe is below. 

 

Hot Cocoa with Star Anise

Makes 1 serving

 

Ingredients:

3 ounces of semi sweet chocolate, roughly chopped

1 cup of whole milk,

3  Star Anise pods

1/4 teaspoon chili flakes

lemon zest

 

Method:

In a stove top pan, bring the milk, star anise and chili flakes to a simmer, let it all mingle for a bit and then

strain out the spices. Turn down the heat and whisk in the chocolate, until its all melted. Pour into a mug

                       and top with lemon zest, whipped cream and a decorative star anise pod, ENJOY!

~     ~     ~

If you are looking for a yummy sweet and savory morsel to go with – try my mini gorgonzola 

cheesecakes with a biscotti crust. Find that recipe HERE.

Merry merry,