Hot Chocolate Time: Ways to spice up your ordinary hot chocolate

Hey everyone! As the season goes on and the days get colder I say it is time to bring out the hot chocolate.  Now who doesn't like a nice warm cup for hot coco on a cold fall day?  There are so many ways to spice up hot chocolate.  Just plain old pre-made hot chocolate can be very boring.  Here are some fun tips on how I mix up my hot chocolate routine.

1. Use milk instead of water: *Although the pre-made-chocolate mix says add water, for a richer tasting hot chocolate experience add milk, low fat milk is great too if you do not want all the calories.* 
2. Put it on the stove instead of in the microwave:*I have found by doing so, the chocolate mixture dissolves better* 
3. Put some whipped cream on the top for a nice creamy touch: *you can also mix some whipped cream onto the stove while making your hot chocolate to give it a nice creamy taste*
4. Drop some peppermint candies in the bottom of the cup:*This will give a nice minty flavor to the drink.  If you love mint I would definitely try this,crushed candy canes work wonders as well!*
5. Cinnamon works great with hot chocolate, put it on top of the whipped cream and you have a nice fresh topping.
6. Adding a cinnamon stick: *by adding this, it gives it a great taste without using the powder, stirring a cinnamon stick into hot chocolate just looks delightful and gives the hot chocolate a great taste.*
7. Lastly, a classic topping would have to be adding some marshmallows:* you can add large marshmallows, or mini ones.*     

There are so many different ways to make hot chocolate, by just playing around with the different toppings you will soon discover, your favorite way to drink this delicious drink. Don't be afraid to try something new!!! 

What is your favorite way to make hot chocolate?