Who can resist these little pink harbingers of things to come..
and who wouldn’t want to keep a few Christmas amaryllis around for a touch of spring?
♥
I love these winter white lacquered pieces.. I found these candlesticks at HomeSense last spring,
they’ve been hiding in my office.
I think they’d look so pretty on a white desk, I might have to paint mine.
I couldn’t believe my luck.. I love anything lacquered like this tray with silver branches.
The lacquer finish is a great update for the traditional “shabby chic” look,
it’s more contemporary and current, I think.
But back to those tulips..
Along with my “Winter Whites”
I decided it would be heartwarming to bring my galvanized tray back into the kitchen
and fill it with mugs and spoons..
miniature marshmallows and dark chocolate rolled wafers..
and a jar of homemade Spicy Mexican Hot Chocolate Mix
It’s a time-saver, after a day of skiing or skating.. or sitting in a cold hockey rink..
..this is the sort of mix where you just add hot water and stir, stir
stir away the cold and damp!
Then it’s time to cuddle with your pup so you can finish the book you’ve been reading..
{ and warm her paws up too }
Spicy Mexican Hot Chocolate Mix in a Jar
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup Dutch-process cocoa { like Bernard Callebaut }
- 2 1/2 cups powdered milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- 1 pinch nutmeg
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
- Hot water
- Combine everything from the powdered sugar to the cayenne pepper in a large mixing bowl and whisk to blend thoroughly. Store in an airtight container, this will keep indefinitely.
- Spoon mixture up to 1/3 of your mug and fill with hot water. Stir and top up with hot water once blended. You can also substitute hot milk for the water, but I found this to be rich enough using hot water.
- There is a subtle spicy flavor that could be adjusted to taste by adding more cayenne powder.
OMG! I just have to tell you how much I LOVE that tiered tray, just gorgeous! Please tell me you bought it at a place we have in TO! Please, I have to have one!
And you have definitely inspired me to go out and get me some tulips, such a breath of fresh air!
I’m not much of a hot chocolate person, but I have a friend who is…this would make a lovely gift for her.
Pottery barn!! You can still order them I think:)
I love a little spice in hot cocoa!
That tray is the cutest decor ever, simply stunning 😀
And your jarred hot chocolate with that special kick sounds so perfect!
Cheers
CCU
Believe it or not I was just thinking this week that I’d like to have a good hot chocolate mix! This is wonderful. I think the little kick of heat is very special. And that tray is a wonderful tool. Pretty and functional! I agree with making more time to cuddle that adorable puppy. 🙂
This is just what the doctor ordered after spending the day in the cold! Not that I would have the real feel of cold living in HK, but may I add but I am no stranger to that white stuff, as I was a former Michigander. Your little puppy is getting so big! They grow up so fast. Stay warm and snug! BAM
She sure has, I’m shocked at how quickly she’s grown. I knew I should have taken more photos!
Great pictures! And lovely mix. I haven’t had hot chocolate in ages – need to try this. Thanks.
That tray with the silver branches looks beautiful! I’ve been shopping around for some trays, but haven’t seen anything like that yet.
The spicy Mexican hot chocolate sounds delicious. Perfect as a gift and for myself to drink haha. Thanks for sharing!
You do make winter look very inviting. I love the candlesticks. You have beautiful things in your home – including your puppy. Does she know how pretty she is? xx
Thanks for bringing some spring with those beautiful flowers and warmth with your delicious hot chocolate drink to these cold winter days.
Loving the idea of a ready mix of spicy hot chocolate after a day’s skiing! I’m in the French Alps at the moment and oh boy would that go down a treat right now !!!
I love that you go skiing in the Alps every winter.. that’s just such a wonderful dream, some day I’ll have to meet you there, Claire!!