EventPro Magazine Fall 2014 Fall 2014 | Page 37

EVENT EATS Cold Days, Hot Drinks Nothing makes guests feel more at home than a toasty drink on a chilly day. These recipes come from Duluth’s own hostess extraordinare and owner of ApronElegance.com, Rachel Hart, who recommends creating a hot drink buffet for your next winter event. Velvety Hot Chocolate INGREDIENTS • 8 teaspoons sugar • 4 teaspoons baking cocoa • 4 cups milk • 1 ½ cups miniature marshmallows • 1 tsp vanilla extract • Cinnamon to taste • Kosher salt to taste • Whipping Cream to taste Get creative with your toppings: Whipped cream on a bowl of ice, chocolate sprinkles, cinnamon sticks, rainbow sprinkles or caramel topping - Rachel Hart, Apron Elegance DIRECTIONS In a saucepan, combine sugar, cocoa, milk and marshmallows. Cook over medium heat and stir continuously until marshmallows are melted (about 7 minutes.) Remove from the heat and stir in vanilla. Pour into mugs. Add whipped cream, sprinkle with cinnamon and a dash of kosher salt. Hot Spiced Cider Recipe INGREDIENTS • 64 oz or ½ gallon apple cider (no sugar added) • ¼ cup real maple syrup • 2 cinnamon sticks • 3 whole cloves • 6 whole allspice berries • 1 orange peel, cut into strips • 1 lemon peel, cut into strips DIRECTIONS 1. Pour apple cider and maple syrup into a large stainless steel saucepan. 2. Place the cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, orange peel and lemon peel in the center of a washed square of cheesecloth; fold up the sides of the cheesecloth to enclose the bundle, then tie it with a length of kitchen string. Drop the spice bundle into the cider mixture. 3. Place the saucepan over moderate heat for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cider is very hot but not boiling. 4. Remove the cider from the heat. Discard