Brrrrrr.  It's been said before (every 5 minutes on every single social media outlet) but good lord, it's freezing outside.  This winter even has it's own PR team that has branded it as a "Polar Vortex."  Does it really need a special name?  I can think of enough descriptors my dad has historically used that already accurately describe weather this cold (though how he knows the temperature of a witch's body parts is beyond me).  Regardless, it's times like these that I'm glad I have a chauffeur (Jake) taking me from our garage to the front door of my office.  I literally go an entire day without going outside.  Jake drops Lily off at the front door of her school, too, so his existence currently revolves around keeping the rest of us warm.  (Fear not, we haven't kept Lily off the slopes.  We aren't complete shut-ins.)  This hot chocolate made my frozen toes so happy last weekend.  Our kitchen floor is over the cold garage, so as I was standing at the stove stirring the milk, I was eagerly anticipating the warmth while the smell of cinnamon filled the room.  It didn't disappoint.  Jake said that it almost reminded him of vanilla chai, which I can see because of the cinnamon and creamy milk, but is definitely good enough to stand on it's own.  Plus, everyone deserves to drink white chocolate.

I found this recipe at Tara's Multicultural Table as a part of the monthly SRC swap.  She has some really awesome ideas  and dishes!  I spent a couple of hours flipping through her blog.  Of course, it's a little funny that she has a whole website full of foods from all over the world and I end up with hot chocolate.  Sorry, I had a craving for warmth and comfort.  But you won't regret going to take a look at her recipe index to find some other mouth-watering recipes.

Cinnamon White Hot Chocolate

2 cups milk 2 cinnamon sticks 4 ounces white chocolate, chopped 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tsp pure vanilla extract 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Bring milk and cinnamon sticks to a simmer over medium heat.  Once simmering, remove from heat, and set aside for about 30 minutes.

Remove the cinnamon sticks and reheat the milk over medium heat. Whisk in the white chocolate, brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Continue to whisk until the chocolate is completely melted.

Serve immediately in two glasses.  Garnish with cinnamon, whipped cream, or both!

Source: adapted slightly Tara's Multicultural Table

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