Hazelnut Hot Chocolate On A Stick

December is winning, you guys. Not in the “#winning!” sense, but in the “I feel like I’ve been beaten with the big heavy holiday stick, and I am not fighting back” sense. Real talk? I’m bushed.

Whining about work has got to be tied with weather talk in the competition for Things No One Cares About, so rather than complain at length about how overwhelmed I am, I’ll just share that I accidentally took a 2-hour “nap” last night at 8:30 pm. (Not recommended: I was pretty discombobulated afterward.)

I’m sure we’re all feeling varying degrees of strain and stress this month. Between family and work and school and holiday obligations, December is a pressure cooker decked out with twinkling lights. Fortunately, it’s also full of nostalgic traditions and many excuses to eat cookies and repeated viewings of Elf and lots of hot chocolate, so maybe it all equals out.

Hot chocolate on a stick isn’t a new idea, but it’s still one of my go-to’s for gifting at Christmas. Who could resist big hunks of fudge on a stick that magically turn hot milk into hot chocolate? Package them with cute mugs and hot chocolate toppers like marshmallows, candy canes, and candies or nuts, and you have a super sweet homemade gift that’s easy and cheap!

This recipe was inspired by my love of chocolate-hazelnut Ferrero Rocher candies. (Is there anything better than getting the big tray of Rochers as a Christmas gift? I think not.) I infused the milk and cream for the fudge with toasted, chopped hazelnuts overnight, to give it a strong nutty flavor before mixing it with chocolate for the fudge cubes. I also added a bit of hazelnut flavoring oil to boost the hazelnut taste, but that part is optional.

After cutting the squares and adding the sticks, I dipped them partially in chocolate and rolled the bottoms in crushed hazelnuts. This is also optional, but I think it makes them extra-polished, a little bit fancy, and perfect for a holiday party or gift-giving.

To enjoy the hazelnut hot chocolate, stir a cube into a 6 oz mug of hot milk, and whisk until it dissolves. Enjoy with a Ferrero Rocher (…or three…) on the side. Here’s to surviving the rest of the month! Cheers!

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