We are a bunch of hot chocolate lovers. Now, that comes with its own disadvantages. The drink has to be a certain consistency; the teen needs it a bit bitter, and the little one needs it lighter. So my hot chocolate is always a bit on the thicker side.
This recipe is quite a rich chocolate drink and quite an indulgence.
I was inspired by Laura in the Kitchen for this. I love her YouTube channel and am so happy she got her own show.
There are so many advantages of a homemade gift. The uniqueness and the satisfaction that you get is fuzzy. The smile and the appreciation from your friend or family just makes it all worthwhile.
I’ve always been about home-made gifts. It’s 50% store-bought and 50% home-made. The best part of home-made gifts are, you can really customize to whomever you are giving. This year is hot chocolate station for everyone.
What I’ve packed:
Hot cocoa mix
marshmallow
cinnamon
a cute whisk with vessel
a mug
biscotti
a cute napkin
written down recipe card
a label.
- 4 oz Bar Bittersweet Chocolate(grated)
- ⅓ cup confectioners sugar
- ⅔ cup valrhona pure cocoa( or any good cocoa)
- ¼ cup minus 2-3 tsp cornstarch(this is totally up to you,add less if you want a thinner consistency)
- ¼ cup vanilla sugar
- 2 tsp Instant coffee powder
- Grate the Bittersweet chocolate bar or you can use a food processor.
- Sift confectioners sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder.
- Mix everything and bottle it up in airtight containers.
- WHEN you are ready to make the hot chocolate, bring a cup of milk to simmer and add 2 tbsp of the mix and cook for a minute on low heat. Keep stirring.
- Serve with some grated chocolate or marshmallows or both.
- ENJOY!!
Lilly
What a wonderful, thoughtful and delicious gift idea. I absolutely love it!
John@Kitchen Riffs
What a fun gift idea! Who doesn’t like hot chocolate? And it’s chilly here, so it’s the perfect beverage at this time of the year. Thanks!
Priya
Aww….wish I was Adil and Nikhil’s teachers!!!!
Asha Shivakumar
@Lilly- It was fun creating it. <3
Denise Browning@From Brazil To You
What a great idea for a holiday food present! I’d be super happy to receive it.
Asha Shivakumar
I’d be more than happy to mail you one asap my dear friend. Hugs.
Shashi @ runninsrilankan
Asha – this basket is just delightful! And I love that hot chocolate mix – such a wonderful gift idea!
Asha Shivakumar
Thanks as always for the support Sashi. Yes, it was fun creating and the teachers did love it.
Easyfoodsmith
Wonderful idea indeed Asha and I simply loved that last pic.
Asha Shivakumar
Thanks for stopping by.
Helene D'Souza
ah that’s just adorable and the perfect gift! I completely agree with you, homemade gifts are so much more valuable. I like to put my mind into gifts and I also love getting gifts where I know the other person thought deeply. Unfortunately I noticed the opposite trend, even in Goa. Certain people think homemade gifts are worth less then commercial stuff. I believe homemade gift such as your got chocolate gift basket give life a meaning. Thank you for sharing Asha. =)
Asha Shivakumar
Thank you all for your constant support and I wish I can send each one of you a basket. But my love and air kisses.<3
Asha Shivakumar
@ Helen- I totally understand what you mean. It’s so sad that in India they weigh gifts by how much we’ve spent and not the thought we put into it. It shames me:(.
Monica
Your blog looks wonderful! And Happy Holidays! Love this hot chocolate gift basket; who wouldn’t want to receive this! And I love Laura’s cooking show…I never heard of her until I watched her show and I’m definitely a fan now that I have.
Asha Shivakumar
Monica, Happy Holidays to you too.
Thanks dear.
Sarvani
I love these posts that you do on homemade gifts.. you are right…it does bring on the smiles!! I still remember your bath bombs for valentine’s day I think! happy holidays!! xx
Asha Shivakumar
Oh, you are too sweet Sarvari. Thank you again. I remember I was telling you I’ll make more diy’s, just didn’t get to do it.
Hope you are well.
xx