Hot Chocolate has to be an all-time favorite with kids! A slightly minty version of this cozy drink will be a huge hit as the children settle down to sleep at a slumber party or after some ice skating on a snowy day.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Serves 4-6

Ingredients

Hot Chocolate
4 Cups whole or reduced fat milk
Pinch of salt
12 ounces milk chocolate or semi sweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Frosty Peppermint Whipped Topping
1 8-ounce container prepared whipped topping
10-12 hard peppermint candies, crushed
1-2 drops red food coloring

Stir- It Up

1. Line a sheet pan with foil or waxed paper. Set aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl combine ½ of the container of whipped topping with crushed peppermints. Add a drop or two of red food coloring and stir to blend.

3. Scoop the whipped topping with teaspoon and make dollops of whipped cream about 1 ½ to 2 inches in diameter on sheet pan.

4. Place sheet pan in the freezer and freeze until firm (about 20-30 minutes).

5. Heat milk and salt in a large saucepan over medium heat until steaming. Remove from heat and add chocolate chips. Return to low heat and whisk ingredients until chocolate chips are melted and mixture is smooth.

6. Remove hot chocolate from heat and carefully ladle into teacups or small glass mugs.

7. Garnish each drink with frosty peppermint whipped topping.

Batter Up Kids-friendly Kitchen Tips

1. Give kids different options of candy to mix into the whipped topping. M&Ms, crushed toffee or crushed malt balls are all yummy choices!

2. Use white chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate or semi sweet chips for milder flavor and a pretty creamy color.

3. Crush peppermints in the zaniest way possible! Take a ziploc bag and fill with peppermints. Seal. Put that bag inside a second ziploc bag. Seal. Place the bag on the floor and let the kids take turns jumping on the bag to crush the peppermints…no pointed heels please!