Hot Chocolate on a Stick

I was thrilled when the opportunity arose for me to be a part of the Christmas Cavalcade at Salt Tree.

I love the opportunity to join other amazing bloggers to team up and bring some fun Holiday posts your way!

These Hot Chocolate on a Stick are a fun alternative to boring powdered hot chocolate and make excellent gifts for teachers, neighbors, or coworkers!

With the Holiday's upon us, I think it is a great idea to get in the kitchen and create fabulous homemade gifts for the people who do things for us every day.

I bet the mail man would love one of these in your mailbox besides a boring old letter! Or your child's teacher as a way to say "thank you" for all that they do.

The great part about this recipe is that it makes a bunch of pieces, so you can give this wonderful gift to everyone and it is super easy!

You will need:
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
6 ounces dark chocolate, chopped

lollipop sticks
caramel or crushed peppermint for topping

Line the sides and bottom of  a 9" square baking dish with aluminum foil or parchment paper and set aside.

In a medium saucepan set over medium-low heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk and heavy cream. Whisk slowly as it heats until the milk mixture starts to simmer but not boil.
Remove from heat and add in chocolate chips and chopped chocolate.
Slowly stir to melt the chocolate.
Once the chocolate is completely melted, place the pan back over low heat and whisk vigorously until the chocolate is shiny, thickened, and smooth.
Pour the chocolate mixture into your prepared dish and smooth the surface. *If you would like to add one topping over the chocolate this is the time to do so. Smooth a generous helping of caramel over the top and sprinkle with coarse salt or sprinkle the top with crushed candy cane bits.
Lightly cover with plastic wrap and allow it to sit on your counter overnight.

Heat a sharp knife by running it under hot water and slice the chocolate into 2" square pieces.
Place the lollipop stick into one end and if you are giving them as gifts, wrap in packaging and tie with a pretty ribbon.

Heat milk in your favorite mug and place the hot chocolate on a stick inside to slowly melt.

Enjoy this decadent treat that makes a fantastic gift! Trust me, the last sip is the best!!