A new favorite blog around here is Cafe Book Bean, on which the author sometimes pairs books with delicious beverages and the recipes to make them. For the holiday season, there are some especially good ones. Among them are these:
The Nutcracker by Susan Jeffers
Hot HazelNutmus
Heat desired amount of milk (or substitute of choice). Once steaming hot, per each cup, add 1/2 tsp cocoa powder, 1 tsp sugar (powder or baker’s,) 1 tsp Nutella, and dash of nutmeg. Whisk until smooth, taste and adjust to taste. Mug and sprinkle with crushed nuts and nutmeg.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Cinnamon Cocoa Crunch
In a large pot, combine 1 cup milk (or substitute of choice) per person. Once milk is warm, whisk in 1 tsp dutch cocoa powder to 2 tsps of sugar PER cup of milk. (Optional: use bakers sugar or confection sugar so it mixes smoothly.) Bring to a low simmer. Whisk in 1/4 tsp of cinnamon per cup of milk to taste. Add in 1 tbsp of cream/half-and-half per cup. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with red hots.
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
by Thea Feldman, Illustrated by Erwin Madrid
Cherry Steamer
Steam milk (or substitute of choice) with a dash of vanilla extract. Add grenadine to mug to taste and pour in milk. Stir. Add whipped cream and place a cherry on top.
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey
by Susan Wojciechowski, Illustrated by P.J. Lynch
Cinnamon Coconut Chai
Make chai to your preference and add in steamed coconut milk and/or coconut cream. Sprinkle with cinnamon and coconut flakes. Garnish with anise and cinnamon sticks.
Check out the Cafe Book Bean blog for more recipes, book recommendations and more!