Here’s a quick and easy last-minute gift, stocking stuffer, dessert and late-night treat all wrapped up into one very cute package: the hot chocolate bomb.
I first spotted these in late November on a Target run. (Am I the only person who regularly cruises Target’s seasonal candy section once the Halloween stuff comes out in September? I think not.)
Among the dolled-up holiday treats were small packages of “bombs,” which upon closer inspection contained one (or three, depending on the package) round balls of chocolate, slightly smaller than a baseball. Each one was filled with powdered hot chocolate and at least one of several mix-ins, including marshmallows and crushed peppermint candies. Some of the bombs were drizzled with white chocolate; others were dusted with red and green sprinkles, and more crushed peppermints.
The idea with the bombs is that you place one in a festive holiday mug (Target had those on display nearby, because they’re smart) and pour hot milk over the top. The hard chocolate shell melts, then explodes to reveal the goodies inside. Take a spoon, or one of the festive marshmallow, chocolate or peppermint coated mixing sticks on sale next to the bombs, give the milk a stir, and voila! You made hot chocolate!
All this fun could be had for less than $2 per bomb — but why not make your own? All you need is milk chocolate to melt, powdered milk and cocoa (or your favorite hot chocolate mix), and whatever you want floating on top (marshmallows, peppermints, sprinkles, that sort of thing). Oh, and a silicone mold (also available at Target).
Here’s a straight-forward recipe that’s easy to follow. You can make one or a dozen (Target was pretty low on supply when I looked a couple of days ago) and then box them up for family and friends (and Santa).
This little recipe is one I’m going to add to our permanent holiday collection. Because even in 2020, everything’s better with chocolate.