I haven’t been doing any baking for the office lately, and with a broken bone in my right hand, I haven’t attempted making any Christmas cookies either. Most of our office works from home, but there is about a dozen of us who come into the office on a daily basis, and I wanted to do something to surprise them for Christmas.
Since its getting colder and snow is in the forecast for tomorrow, I decided a hot chocolate bar might be an easy and good idea. I started by washing up an assortment of jars that I could use to hold the different items.
I looked on Pinterest for different hot chocolate recipes, and found them to be pretty much the same, with slight variations. The three main ingredients for most recipes were cocoa, confectioners sugar, and dry milk. Some recipes suggested using a powdered creamer, but I didn’t have or add that ingredient.
The yummy extras I purchased were milk chocolate chips, caramel bits, candy canes, and mini marshmallows, of course.
The fun part is next, assembling the hot chocolate mix, and filling the jars. I didn’t include a recipe in this post for the hot chocolate since I hadn’t tried any of them. There are lots of options and differences of measurements on Pinterest, and I suggest just using whatever looks good to you.
I have a lovely tray I rarely use, and I thought this might be a nice way to corral everything together and make it look festive.
Although everyone in the office probably has their own mug, I wanted to supply some festive cups. They weren’t easy to find, but I finally found these cute ones at Hobby Lobby on sale for half off.
Marshmallows are a must, and whipped cream would have been nice too, but I didn’t think of that in time. I know those look like nuts in the jar, but they are caramel bits. Butterscotch would be yummy too.
There are lots of chocolate options . . . white chocolate, bittersweet, semi-sweet, dark chocolate, peanut butter, mint chocolate, but I used milk chocolate.
I’m not a peppermint person myself, but they “shout” Christmas, and are perfect for stirring.
How do you like your hot chocolate?
What a great idea.
I hope everyone enjoys it and it warms this cold, snowy Monday for them.
We will be down to 36 degrees by tonight. Shorts one day and sweater the next down here.
What a great idea, Cindy! I’m sorry about your broken bone but I’m sure your co-workers will appreciate the hot drink almost as much as your baked goods. I usually make my hot chocolate from a packet and hot water (in fact, I think I’m going to have some now as it’s on the chilly side here – or our version of “chilly” anyway). I looked at some hot chocolate on a stick/lollipops as a Christmas gift for a friend but, as she’s trying to lose weight, I decided I’d best choose something else.
Thanks Kris. I’m so glad it will be healed by gardening season. I can’t imagine not being able to dig in the ground if it was any time but winter.
Hot chocolate is my fav on a cold, snowy day, especially since I’m not a coffee or tea drinker.
Lucky co-workers! Lovely presentation. I like hot cocoa made from scratch with a splash of Amaretto. 😉 Not for the office, but good for at home.
Hope your hand mends quickly!
I didn’t think of bringing Amaretto. That would be a nice touch and make work more enjoyable. Maybe too enjoyable. Stay warm Eliza!
Yes, your presentation is beautiful! That was definitely something different and I am sure was much appreciated!
Thank you Robin. I’m sure we’ll enjoy and consume it all before the week is out.