Sure, Main Street is just about drowning in decadent, professionally-prepared hot chocolate, but what if you can’t make the trip? What if the cruel oppressor (or your own personal version of the cruel oppressor) has you chained to a keyboard, tapping away at next week’s issue without a candy story or coffee shop in sight?
Fear not! With a box of hot chocolate mix and some change for the vending machine, you can have your drink and still make deadline. Your creations can be even fancier if you’re able to sneak away to a local convenience store.
Here are a few of the concoctions that came out of the Insider test kitchens (read: break room) last week:
Meg’s “steamed” milk spectacular
You will need:
1 packet instant hot chocolate
1 carton of milk
whipped cream (Thanks, Quality Cash, for stocking this.)
a microwave
a mug
the candy of your choice from the vending machine (we suggest chopped up Snickers bars or maybe a handful of M&Ms.)
Pour the milk into the mug. Nuke it until it’s hot. Slowly stir in the mix. Top with whipped cream and candy. Carry your creation around until your coworkers get jealous.
Alex’s peppermint mocha
You will need:
1 packet instant hot chocolate
A mug
Something minty (peppermint patties are probably best, but you could use a candy cane or, in a pinch, breath mints from the bottom row of the vending machine.)
A coffee source. (Fresh-brewed, instant, left over from this morning. Whatever.)
Combine coffee and cocoa mix in the mug. Stir. Drop in minty goodness. Wait a minute. Stir again. Enjoy.
Clay’s Christmas cocoa
You will need:
1 packet hot chocolate mix
hot water
A mug
whipped cream
a candy cane
chocolate syrup (optional)
Mix the cocoa with hot water. Top with whipped cream. Stir with the candy cane. Top with whipped cream. If you’re lucky enough to have chocolate syrup, drizzle it on top.
Some other ideas we were too afraid to try:
– Sweet ’n salty: Top the whipped cream with crushed pretzels or maybe some crushed potato chips.
– Hot ’n cold: Float a few chunks of ice cream on top of your cocoa.
