peppermint and chocolate and all that is good

Okay, so Christmas is over. But it's still cold. And you still want chocolate. And you have about a thousand candy canes left over  that you're probably a day away from throwing in the trash. And I've been craving a mug of decadent peppermint hot chocolate all month. So here are a few ways I tweaked classic recipes to use up your candy cane supply while you stay cozy in the cold month of January:

1. Martha Stewart's Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Rich, dense, and beautifully bittersweet. I followed the recipe exactly, but then added a dash of vanilla extract in with the salt at the end. Then, I added even more peppermint with a healthy dose of Candy Cane Whipped Cream.

2. Candy Cane Whipped Cream: Mix one cup heavy whipping cream with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar. Mix until cream forms stiff peaks. Add 3-4 crushed candy canes & several drops of peppermint extract, and mix until just blended.

3.  Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: Again, just a twist on a classic. I followed this Double Chocolate Dream Cookies recipe by Very Best Baking, doubling the salt & vanilla as usual. Along with the chocolate chips I added three crushed candy canes, and crushed a few more to sprinkle on top. These are fudgy & dense with the perfect added crunch of candy cane. And probably not great for your January diet. (#worthit)