Spiked Hot Chocolate for Valentine's Day- "YUM-O"

Ahhhhhh, February 14th will be here before you know it. So now the dilemma. What to buy, what to buy for your better half. Well, I found what I think is the perfect thing. It's a gift from the heart, for the tummy ... not too personal, not too non-personal, sweet and is full of sentiment and chocolate : )

Instead of the typical box of chocolates that you just can't stop eating, how about a great Hot Chocolate drink spiked with a shot of Kailua and whipped crème? You can even spice it up with a great movie, a fireplace (if you have one) or whatever else you can think of. Just remember it's all about the presentation; which means, real whip cream, real cups (not Styrofoam) and cook it ... don't microwave it : ) Without further adieu, here is the recipe:

SPIKED HOT CHOCOLATE

• 1/2 Cup Milk
• 1 Cup Heavy Cream
• 1/4 Cup Whole Coffee Beans
• 2 Oz. Semisweet Chocolate chopped
• 2 TB Kahlua
• 1 Tsp Confectioners' Sugar
• 1 TB Dark Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans Chopped

Directions:

• In a saucepan (of course), over medium heat, combine milk, 1/2 cup cream and whole bag of coffee beans. Bring to a simmer, turn off heat, cover and steep beans for 1 hour.
• Strain liquid and return to saucepan, discard beans.
• Bring milk and cream mixture back to a simmer, add chocolate and whisk until mixed.
• Remove from heat; whisk in Kahlua.
• Whip remaining 1/2 cup cream and the confectioner's sugar until soft peaks form.
• Divide hot chocolate between two cups and garnish each portion with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkling of chopped chocolate covered coffee beans.
• Serves 2
• 
  Oh and I forgot, what would really seal the deal is if you are wearing our adorable Marilyn Bandeau Apron set.... believe me, you will see the population rise in about 9 months after wearting this adorable outfit : ) And below, some unique cups you could use to serve this delectible drink....
  
  
  

Porcelain Espresso Cup

Use this over-the-counter pill cup set to cure all your ailments. Whether you need an espresso fix, a cure for your sweet tooth and hunger pangs, or just want to relax with a cocktail, this ceramic pill cup is just what the doctor ordered. The red and white cups with male and female symbols can be stacked for storing and pulled apart when in use. Perfect for coffee, tea, cocktails, desserts, soups or souffle. Includes two miniature ceramic spoons for stirring and eating. Made in France. Sold as a set of one red cup, one white cup, one rubber attachment ring, two spoons.

kate spade Larabee Road Demitasse Cups & Saucers, 8-piece set

The road less-traveled is paved with polka-dots. Breathe new life into your entertaining style with the Larabee Road Demitasse set. Packaged in a hat box. Includes 4 demitasse cups and 4 saucers in assorted colors.