Easy Pumpkin Hot Chocolate Recipe

When I was younger, I made the connection that my name and the title of the third season of the year were the same. With my rather large imagination and ego, I assumed that this had grand implications. Every time I would see a tree with vibrant autumn colors, I would confidently tell people that it was my tree. Naturally, everything related to the season belonged to me. Even though my self-proclaimed ownership of all things fall subsided as I got older and realized my name was simply something my mom thought sounded cute (not the mark of a noble birthright), my love for autumn remains. It's still my favorite season.

Well, fall is in full swing around here and I couldn't be happier. Our porch is covered in pumpkins (a post detailing our pumpkin patch adventure coming soon) I have my autumn wreath on the door, and our Halloween costumes are coming along nicely. Plus, the weather has been splendidly chilly, allowing me to wear my favorite fashions. I'm a happy woman.

With these events in mind, the drink featured above seemed like the appropriate beverage of choice the other night when we had some friends over. Nothing says autumn like pumpkin spice, and the combination with chocolate is quite heavenly. Luckily, for those of you who are strapped for time this particular recipe goes together quickly:

Pumpkin Hot Chocolate
Recipe adapted from The Frugal Navy Wife- makes 4 one cup servings

Ingredients

-1/2 Cup of Pumpkin Puree
-4 Tablespoons of Brown Sugar
-4 Tablespoons of Whipping Cream
-1/4 Teaspoon of Pumpkin Pie Spice
-1/2 Cup of Hershey Cocoa (add more to taste if desired)
-4 cups of Milk
-Whipped Cream or Marshmallows (or both!) for a topping

Directions 

Whisk all ingredients (except whipped cream and marshmallows) together in a sauce pan over low to medium heat until you reach the desired temperature. (Note: don't let it boil rapidly, this can curdle the milk) Pour the hot chocolate evenly into four mugs and add your desired toppings.

Enjoy, and let me know what you think!