Red Velvet Hot Chocolate Cocktail

My husband and I will celebrate 10 years of marriage this Valentine's Day!  We had a nice little getaway planned for this weekend that we have been looking forward to for a while.  Unfortunately, the impending snowstorm that is predicted to drop 18 inches of snow starting tonight and ending Friday morning has postponed our excursion, which means we will be spending both our anniversary and Valentine's Day snowed in at home.  Not that I mind - the happiest place in the world is in my home with my husband and little sous chef!  Unlike most of my family and friends, we were blessed that we didn't lose our power for very long in last week's snowstorm.  I think that's mainly because our power lines run underground... why don't they all run underground?!  If we aren't so fortunate with the power this time around, we'll make the best of it by lighting candles all throughout the house, staying close, and maybe even  playing Candy Crush  reading a good book by candlelight.  How romantic!  Do you have any fun plans for Valentine's Day?  What better way to stay warm and cozy on a cold winter's night than with this red velvet hot chocolate cocktail?!  It's easy to make and so delicious!

Ingredients:

Yields 3 drinks

• 1 1/2 c milk
• 1/2 c heavy cream 
• 2 1/2 oz milk chocolate, chopped
• 2 1/2 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped 
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon 
• Pinch of salt 
• 1 tsp red food coloring, or to desired color 
• 2 oz Baily's Irish Cream, or to taste 
• 1 oz Kahlua, or to taste 
• Garnish:  Whipped cream and sliced strawberries 

Directions:

Add the milk, heavy cream, chocolate chips, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, red food coloring, Bailey's Irish Cream, and Kahlua in a medium sauce pan.  Heat to just a boil, stirring occasionally.  Remove from heat.  

Meanwhile, coat the rim of your serving glasses with melted chocolate.  Set aside.

Pour the hot cocoa into your serving glass and garnish with whipped cream and strawberries. 

Enjoy!

February 14, 2004 ~ with the love of my life