Hot Chocolate

Looking for a way to store hot chocolate?

Hi – I am having a Christmas get together this weekend and would like to have some hot chocolate available for everyone. But I do not have a coffee carafe to store it in, and do not want to stand over the stove all day! I was thinking I might be able to make the hot chocolate and keep it in a crock pot. Does anyone have any advice on this? Am I crazy, or would this actually work? I will assume I will have to stir the mixture occasionally. Any other tips? Thanks a lot!

I assume you are not using the cheap, powder stuff made with water – otherwise the microwave WOULD be fine. But I suspect you ask your question because you are going first-class. So, the snide comment about the powder and microwave should be ignored.
I have two crock-pots that get used for hot drinks during the winter/holiday season. One always has the good hot cocoa for the kids – milk, ghiradelli chocolate, etc. The other pot has the grown-up drink with mulled cider and rum, or a Scottish Glog, etc.
I do have a coffee carafe and a large urn (the thing with the spigot) – but I find the pots seem more festive (like hot punch bowls, maybe). I also found (years ago), that the cocoa is more difficult to stir up once it settles in a carafe or urn.
Make the cocoa the day of your gathering, as close to the time as you can. Put it in the crock on the lowest setting for the kids, medium would be ok for the grown-ups. Crock on low wouldn’t need much attention until individual servings were coming out – stir well before putting in a mug. Medium heat would likely require a stir every half hour or forty-five minutes, in my experience.
Now, do not forget to set out a small pitcher of cold milk for those who care to add it to their mugs. Someone will always appreciate that extra effort. Swap the milk out after two hours at normal room temp for a fresh pitcherful.
Also, a very nice touch is placing a candy cane in the mug when first served. Kids especially like this one, but even some older ones will think this is just like ‘mom used to do it’ for a special winter occassion. I like the small little ones that come individually wrapped, just unwrap and hook it over the mug so it is like a little winter “umbrella” drink.
Should you skip the candy canes, grab some swizzel sticks at the store so you do not have to use every spoon in your house when you serve.
Don’t do the PLASTIC chocolate-covered spoons unless it is all kids. They come off as a bit tacky. Do feel free to prep YOUR spoons or swizzel sticks with chocolate, if you have time – just melt and dip, lay on wax or parchment paper to cool. Place them chocolate-down in a large wine/water goblet or small vase, or some such cute container.
Good luck and have fun!!

Hot Chocolate – Every 1′s a winner 1978