Tie One On Tuesday!

Okay, Okay, I know a lot of you out there may not take part in the spirits and want some good ol' fashion hot drinks. Ya know, something that you can sip by the fire with your sweetie or a little pick me up in the morning. Well, this week I'm gonna give you some "dry" hot drinks to check out. Maybe a little something for the kiddies. I've heard NyQuil is good for them (and people wonder about me and kids-hmmm...)

The first combines two of my favorite taste. Carmel and chocolate!

Hot Carmel and Chocolate (makes 6 cups)

1/3  cup sugar 
1/3  cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/3  cup water
6  milk-chocolate-covered round caramels
6  cups milk, half-and-half, or light cream
  Whipped cream (optional)
  Milk chocolate-covered and/or candy-coated round caramels (optional)
Directions
In a large saucepan combine sugar, cocoa powder, and water. Cook and stir over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Add candies; cook and stir until melted. Stir in milk. Heat through. Pour into mugs; top with whipped cream and additional caramel candies.

Looking for something a little more caliente?Oh! I got that for you too!
Aztec Chili Hot Chocolate(Makes 2 cups)
1  2/3 cups milk
1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
1 red chili pepper, split with seeds removed
1 cinnamon stick, around 3-4"
1  1/2 oz chocolate (bittersweet)
Directions:
Simmer milk in a saucepan with vanilla bean, cinnamon and chili. Heat through for about a minute. Whisk in grated chocolate, and continue to simmer until melted. Remove from heat and let 'steep' for another 10 minutes. Strain out the spices and serve.

 Now if chocolate isn't your thing (we might not be able to be friends anymore if this is true) how about a nice cider recipe?

Harvest Apple Cider

8 whole cloves

4 cups apple cider

4 cups pineapple juice

1/2 cup water

1 (3 inch) cinnamon stick

1 tea bag

Directions:

Place cloves on a double thickness of cheesecloth; bring up corners of cloth and tie with kitchen string to form a bag. Place the remaining ingredients in a slow cooker; add spice bag. Cover and cook on low for 2 hours or until cider reaches desired temperature. Discard spice bag, cinnamon stick and tea bag before serving.

Mmmmm...these recipes sound so yummy I can almost smell them simmering up on the stove. I strongly suggest that the next time you have a chilly night-build a fire, snuggle up with your loved ones or maybe even by yourself with a good book and take a nice sip of the warm rich drinks. Now where are my marshmallows at?