SEA SALT HOT CHOCOLATE + WHITE CHOCOLATE WHIPPED CREAM

fancy ass apple cider.. check! fancy ass hot chocolate.. check! ever since i first watched the barefoot contessa make hot chocolate from scratch, i was mesmerized. it looked so thick, so rich & SO chocolately. so yes, you guessed it! this recipe has been inspired & adapted by my favourite, ina garten. this hot chocolate is the real deal! it doesn't compare to the watery, flavourless powdered mixes. BUT be sure to use your favourite, high quality chocolate when you make this. no room for bad chocolate when you are indulging in something this decadent. i topped it with sea salt, because a touch of salt makes everything that much better. i also decided on topping it with a white chocolate whipped cream, because a fancy ass hot chocolate deserves an equally fancy whipped cream.

P.S. i am hosting a staub giveaway with zwilling canada over on instagram. if you want to win a 5.5 qt cocotte in your favourite colour, hop on over to my instagram here to enter!

ingredients

for the sea salt hot chocolate

• 3.5 cups whole milk
• 1 cup whipping cream
• 4 ounces high quality dark chocolate, chopped
• 4 ounces high quality milk chocolate, chopped
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, plus more for topping

for the white chocolate whipped cream

• 1 cup whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 ounce white chocolate, melted

directions

• for the hot chocolate: in a sauce pot over medium heat add milk & cream. simmer until bubbles begin to form at the edges, but do not bring to a boil! remove from heat & add in the dark chocolate, milk chocolate, sugar, vanilla & salt. stir until chocolate has fully melted.
• for the whipped cream: in a mixing bowl using a whisk, add cream & sugar. whisk until soft peaks are formed. pour in the white chocolate & beat until stiff peaks are formed.
• to assemble: pour hot chocolate in your favourite mug, top with a generous amount of whipped cream, chocolate shavings & a sprinkle of sea salt.

ALFAJORES

i spent all day yesterday getting caught up on my work & baking various holiday treats, like these alfajores! i was quite late on the alfajore trend, only discovering these cookies a couple years ago when a co-worker brought them in for a holiday party. i am obsessed with shortbread cookies & dulce de leche.. how did i not know all this time there was a cookie that combined the two?! now i make sure to make these multiple times throughout the holiday season (to make up for all that lost time). something about the powdered sugar & the shredded coconut remind me of the perfect snow fall. ah snow.. where are you this year?! i'm sure the majority of you who hate winter are like WHAT, don't wish for snow! but the lack of snow in the city makes me so sad * insert tear drop emoji *. i guess for now i will have to continue making fake snow inside via dusted icing sugar. anyways, i hope you all had a lovely thanksgiving long weekend, survived black friday & aren't to full to start indulging in some christmas cookies! if you haven't had an alfajore yet, it's never too late (okay if you don't make them right this second.. it is).

ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• ¾ cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 pinch salt
• 1/2 cup dulce de leche (store bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
• powdered sugar, for dusting

directions

• in the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment beat butter & sugar until just combined. add vanilla.
• sift in flour & salt, beat until dough comes together.
• roll out on floured surface & shape into a disk. if the dough is a bit dry, add a teaspoon of water. wrap in plastic & refrigerate for one hour (or over night).
• once the dough has chilled, roll out on a floured surface to ¼ inch thick. use desired size round cookie cutter (i used a lid!).
• bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges JUST begin to lightly brown.
• once cool enough to handle add a touch of dulce de leche to the bottom cookie & top with another. roll the gooey caramel edges in coconut & dust with powdered sugar!

these gorgeous maple measuring cups are featured in collaboration with polder's old world market. they are a family of maker's who handcraft & sign each piece of dreamware. they are also the only place where you will find hand carved wood measuring cups! if you are looking for a special gift this holiday season for a kitchen lover or avid baker, check out their website here! 

also featured: vermont rolling pins in french walnut

STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING

because it's not the holiday's without some sticky pudding, i'm sharing my recipe for sticky pudding at front + main, on the west elm blog! get the recipe here. don't forget the eggnog!