Polar Express Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Inspired by this scene of “The Polar Express”

Difficulty: Easy | Time: 45min | Yeilds: 1 quart of hot chocolate

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Since being a kid, I’ve always wondered what the hot chocolate in the Polar Express would taste like… Here’s my take! Rich, creamy and just the perfect hint of peppermint. Delish!

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Ingredients:

For the peppermint syrup (optional):

• 1 cup peppermints

• 1 cup water

For the hot chocolate:

• 1 quart whole milk

• 2 tsp cornstarch

• 2/3-1 cup peppermint syrup, to your taste *(1)

• 6oz milk chocolate Lindt truffles *(2)

• 6oz dark chocolate Lindt truffles *(2)

Directions:

Make the peppermint syrup (optional):

1. In a medium saucepan, combine your peppermints and water over medium high heat. Stir continually until the peppermints completely dissolve.

2. Remove from heat. Set aside.

Make the hot chocolate:

1. In a medium-large saucepan, pour in the milk.

2. Add in the cornstarch and peppermint syrup. Mix until combined.

3. Place the pan on medium-high heat and bring the milk to a boil.

4. Remove the milk from the heat and add in the chocolate. Mix until the chocolate has completely melted. If the chocolate isn’t melting, you can return it back to heat to help.

5. Pour into glasses and top with whipped cream or marshmallows! Enjoy!

Notes:

1. *If you don’t want to make the peppermint syrup, replace it with 1/2-2/3 cups of sugar.

2. *I wanted to make this as decadent as possible, so I used truffles… But feel free to use regular milk and dark chocolate instead!