One of our favorite holiday traditions has always been cuddling around a great book while sipping a mug of hot cocoa. Some of our favorite holiday reads and our favorite hot cocoa recipe are sure to put a smile on even the Grinch himself. 

The Polar Express

The Mitten

A Wish to be a Christmas Tree

How The Grinch Stole Christmas

Night Before Christmas

At its best, hot cocoa is sublime. At its worst, it’s chalky, watery, and too sweet. This version, provided by François Payard, of François Payard Bakery in New York, is definitely in the former category: so creamy, rich, and chocolaty that it’s a suitable stand-in for dessert.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons cocoa powder (such as Weiss)

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup whole milk

Granulated sugar, to taste

To Make:

Bring chocolate powder, fresh cream, and milk to a boil; stir; and pour in a cup.

Add sugar if desired.

Note: For a lighter version, use 1/3 cup fresh cream and 2/3 cup skim milk.