'Tis The Season To Drink Hot Chocolate - With a Twist!

There is nothing better than having a cup of hot cocoa on a cold night. If you love hot chocolate, you have to give this peppermint white chocolate beverage a try. It is creamy, rich and will warm your soul. It is one of those drinks that you want to hold with both hands and enjoy the heat that is emitted from the mug. The peppermint is not overpowering and you will enjoy the minty taste as well as the aroma of each sip you take. If you are a little congested – very common this time of the year, it will help you breathe a little better. The recipe I am sharing calls for some cornstarch which is used to thicken the chocolate. In Latin-American countries, it is customary to have a rich-thick hot chocolate. That is the way the "Abuelas" (grandmothers) learned how to make and serve hot chocolate.
My understanding is that Starbucks offers a similar beverage and I might have to give it a try. However, when I make my recipe at home, I don't feel half as guilty when I go back for a refill! So, give it a try and see for yourself.

4 cups 2% milk 1 cup white chocolate chips (8 ounces) or white chocolate bar, chopped
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
1 teaspoon corn starch
Mini marshmallows and peppermint candies for garnishing.
Combine milk, white chocolate, peppermint extract, vanilla and cornstarch in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until chocolate is melted and mixture is heated completely. If too thick, add a little milk. Remember, this beverage is supposed to be thicker than regular hot cocoa.
Pour hot chocolate into mugs; top with whipped cream, marshmallows and crushed peppermint candies.