Winter days here in Iowa need some cheer. It is finally snowing - finally! And bitterly cold, I might add. Mud and gray and mushy brown be gone! And that means we need some hot cocoa to celebrate. So let’s talk about how to go about that the right way! Consider throwing a party using these ideas.

To drink the hot cocoa properly it should be in a mug, don’t you think? (This will need to be done in advance of the party if you are having one)

1. Go to the dollar store and buy a white mug for everyone! Yes! ALL the peoples!
2. Sharpies in black and orange (or for what you want to draw) 
3. Draw a nose, eyes and mouth for your snowman. And your name too. Make it cute!
4. Bake at 350 degrees for 2 hours. Place mug in a cold oven, then the oven was turned on, and the timer was started from the time that the oven was fully heated.  Leave mugs in the oven to cool for 1 hour or more to prevent cracking. 

The Hot Chocolate Recipe

• 4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup good quality cocoa
• 1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. In a saucepan combine all ingredients. Cook and stir over medium-low heat until the marshmallows are melted, about 10 minutes. (I actually had mine on the stove for about 30 minutes and I just stirred occasionally)
2. Remove from the heat and pour into mugs.

The Bar

Here is a list of some goodies that are great for making a hot cocoa bar really fab!
Crushed candy canes
Hershey kisses
Peanut butter cups
Andes Candies
Mini Marshmallows
Caramels
Cinnamon Sticks
Rock Candy Sticks
Whipped Cream
Ice cream

Use a variety of containers to really dress it up. Make it fancy!

The Dip

Consider adding some good eats to your party. Let’s start with a Hot Cocoa Cheesecake Dip. Oooh, think of the yummies you could “dip” in it!

Ingredients
4 (.73 oz) envelopes hot cocoa mix without marshmallows
1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, room temperature
4 oz. cool whip, thawed
2 -3 T. vanilla marshmallow bits
Instructions

1. In a medium mixing bowl, add in the hot cocoa mix and cream cheese. Mix on medium with a hand mixer until thoroughly incorporated.
2. Add in the cool whip and continue to beat until combined.
3. Scoop into a serving bowl and top with vanilla mallow bits. Serve with cookies.
4. Store in the refrigerator.

Hot Chocolate Dump Cake

It’s not a party without cake. I’m sure that is a rule! I’m also sure there is no such thing as too much chocolate, so go ahead and indulge. The gym will still be there tomorrow!

Ingredients1 package (3.4 oz) Jell-O™ chocolate-flavor instant pudding and pie filling
1 1/2 cups milk
1 box Betty Crocker™ SuperMoist™ chocolate fudge cake mix
4 cups miniature marshmallows
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
2 teaspoons dry hot chocolate mix
Directions

• Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottom and sides of 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray.
• In a large bowl, beat dry pudding and milk with whisk 2 minutes. Stir in cake mix and 2 cups of the miniature marshmallows until combined. Spread batter evenly in bottom of the pan. Scatter chocolate chips evenly on top.
• Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center of the cake comes out almost clean. Immediately sprinkle remaining 2 cups miniature marshmallows on top. Cool completely in pan, about 1 hour.

I hope you have a splendid party! We are planning on doing this for a Valentine bash for some teen girls. Won't that be fun?

Comment below if you had a party too!