Dear Santa,

Do you remember when we all were wishing for a laundry list of things last year? 2020 was going to be the year of perfect vision, and yet the visions of dancing sugarplums did not look like covid-19, isolation + politicians from both sides of the aisle caring about their own agendas than actually serving.

Fortunately, it also looked like caring for our families + our neighbors. It looked like volunteering because those same people lost their jobs + didn’t have toilet paper. It meant babysitting a friend’s little so she could take a moment to herself while he caught up with Auntie Jacquie. The amount of stress was met with equal love that we’d get through the time together.

Do you also remember when I was in the Miss Teen Maryland pageant? I was a sophomore in high school, and thought it would be an interesting thing to do. I have nothing against pageants, but I absolutely hated it from the tip of my fluffed hair down to the the last thread of my burgundy, beaded dress I later wore to my junior prom. But in light of all of the answers given, can we simply ask for world peace this year? That’s not too hard to ask for, is it?

I hope this hot chocolate alleviates the burden of this monumental ask. 2021 isn’t perfect vision, but maybe our perfect vision of what really matters this year will perfect steps to get there. Maybe? We can only hope.

Love,
Jacquie

ingredients, serving 2

1 ¼ cup coconut milk
1 ¼ cup water
3 tablespoons cacao powder
1 tablespoon melted cacao butter
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon vanilla
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
juice + zest of 1 mandarin orange
4 ounces vodka
2 ounces kahlua

In a small pot over medium low heat, combine the milks, orange juice, orange zest and honey. Bring to a simmer, before turning off the heat. Steep for 5 minutes to let the orange flavor infuse and the honey dissolve.

After that time has passed, whisk in the cacao powder, cacao butter, vanilla and cinnamon. If you have a frother, use it here to get that creamy, foamy consistency.

Divide the vodka and kahlua between two mugs, and top with the warm hot chocolate mixture. garnish with fresh nutmeg + a marshmallow… or two!