January 31st is National Hot Chocolate Day and I’m celebrating early with a little kick. Choosing mindfulness over a dry January, I’m combining two things that I love: hot chocolate and wine. 🍫🍷

So yesterday, I took a test run to make a rich, delicious treat I could enjoy and savor on the day, and while waiting for the snow to melt.

Cutting right to the chase, below is the yummy Red Wine Hot Chocolate recipe from Wholefully :

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips {recommended: Ghiradelli}
• 2/3 cup dry red wine (merlot, shiraz, cabernet sauvignon)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup half and half
• 2 tablespoons sugar, optional (see notes)
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Combine the chocolate chips, wine, milk, half, and half and sugar (if using), in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Heat, stirring constantly, until chocolate chips are melted and the mixture is hot.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and salt. Pour into mugs and serve!☕️☕️

As for the wine, since the recipe called for Merlot, or Shiraz or Cab why not simplify and use a dry red blend? This Dreaming Tree Crush was a perfect combination of everything I enjoy: 59%Merlot, 16% Petit Sirah, 15% Zinfandel, 4% Syrah and… whatever the ‘other’ is… no problem!🍇

Since I find this wine rich but not super sweet, I added a pinch of sugar to taste which helped to balance things out. Stirring the mixture gently became almost meditative. When it was ready, I slowly poured it into my cup, letting it stand for a few moments, allowing it to thicken into a rich, dark and creamy treat.👇

I took my time sipping and savoring watching some of the icicles sluggishly begin to melt. Since they were taking their time, I did too. Pouring myself another cup I leisurely sipped and flipped through a vintage fashion magazine.

The weather might still be a little frightful this week, but it’s so easy and delightful to make yourself a decadent, warm little hug. 🤗

Cheers!😚🍷☕️

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