Welcome Holiday Season

 If it was up to me, the Christmas tree would go up the minute the clock struck midnight on November 1st, but alas, I have a husband who believes it should stay in the shed until after Thanksgiving. But guess what, the turkey leftovers are in the fridge, all of the fall decor is packed away and I am currently typing in the glow of a beautifully lit balsam fir. 

December arrives this week, and before we have a chance to blink Christmas day will be upon us. We need to make sure to enjoy the next 28 days as much as possible. Sure, the hustle and bustle might stress us out a little, and if you're anything like me your to-do list is a mile long; but finding ways to find the magic and joy in the season are a must. 

After spending 12+ hours putting up the indoor decor on Friday, I was completely exhausted and ready to collapse into my recliner. However, the 6 year old had other plans. "Mommy, I want to put on Christmas jammies, watch Frosty and drink peppermint hot chocolate." 

That declaration resulted in him, daddy and mommy all laying on the floor snuggling, watching the movie while he sipped his holiday drink. (The teenager was at work, or there would have been 4 of us sharing that blanket.) As tired as I was, I wanted to soak in every second of this impromptu memory making moment. 

Plus, it reminded me that it was finally time to share a holiday inspired recipe with all of you. Whipped Hot Chocolate takes your hot cocoa game to the next level. It's super easy and the perfect treat to enjoy after building a snowman or while you watch Rudolph or White Christmas. 

The next 4 weeks are going to fly by, but my wish for you are those tiny moments that come out of  nowhere and fill your heart with the Christmas spirit and love. 

 

Whipped Hot Chocolate

1/4 cup milk chocolate hot chocolate powder mix 

2-3 cups chocolate milk, warmed

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted

Mini Marshmallows

Chocolate Sprinkles

In a large metal bowl that has been chilled, whisk together hot chocolate mix and powdered sugar. Add heavy cream and whisk just until combined. Using an electric mixer, beat until soft peaks form. Transfer mixture to piping bag. Divide chocolate milk between 2 mugs. Pipe whipped mixture onto each. Garnish with marshmallows and sprinkles. 

 

Shared at Weekend Potluck

Welcome October

Apparently we blinked and September came and went. What a whirlwind! To welcome in a new month, the first "true" one of autumn, I thought a tasty warm beverage was the perfect way to usher it in.

We are big slow cooker drink lovers. From apple inspired ones in the fall to festive wassail at the holidays and warm hot cocoa on a cold winter's day, they are something I make a lot on the weekends when we are at home hanging out.

Seriously, what tastes better on a chilly day than a big mug of something warm and delicious to soothe your soul? Not to mention most of the time, whatever you've got warming in that slow cooker makes the house smell AH mazing!

Got a long day of raking ahead of you? Come inside to this. Visiting the local pumpkin patch or corn maze? Have this waiting on you when you get home. Having some people over for a big bonfire? This will stay warm all night long!

It would taste just as delicious with apple cider, maybe even more so, but I had juice on hand. (Not to mention, sometimes apple cider is just too darn expensive! Seriously! It can be a tad ridiculous!)

This is one of those drinks that will take you through October, would be great on Halloween night, and terrific for those turkey day guests coming quicker than you think!

We still might have some warm sunny days left, but they are definitely getting fewer and farther between, so when the rain drops are puddling, the leaves are falling and that crisp autumn wind is blowing, a mug of this is certain to warm you from the inside! 

Warm Autumn Apple Punch

4 c. apple juice

1 can frozen orange juice, thawed

2 cinnamon sticks

3/4 tsp. ground ginger

3/4 tsp. ground allspice

1/4 tsp. ground cloves

Combine all ingredients in slow cooker. Stir well to combine, whisk if needed. Cook on LOW 4 hours. Keep on warm and serve all day!

Shared at Weekend Potluck
Shared at Meal Plan Monday