Here are five recipes for hot chocolate that will keep you warm this winter.

CREAMY HOT CHOCOLATE
Prep time: 6 minutes. Cook time: 8 minutes. Serves: 2.

Tested with the Spanish chocolate Valor Chocolate a la Taza (available at the Web site www.tienda.com), this fast and easy recipe yielded a pretty cup of hot chocolate whose caressing texture lived up to its name. The recipe is from Gourmet magazine.
1/3 cup well-chilled heavy cream
1 tablespoon sugar
4 ounces fine-quality bittersweet chocolate (not unsweetened)
2 cups whole milk

This is my idea of the most delicious hot beverage for the cold weather and holidays. You can keep it in a pot on the back of the stove for ladling out – or use a crock pot to keep it warm. Leave out the alcohol, if you wish. I perfected this recipe years ago when I was a caterer – it’s fragrance fills the house with a delightful, cozy "spirit" – ENJOY!
4 cups, apple cider or apple juice
1/2 cup, brown sugar
1/2 cup, dark rum (like Meyers)
1/4 cup, brandy or cognac
2 teaspoons, Grand Marnier or Cointreau
1/4 teaspoon, ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon, ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon, ground allspice
salt to taste (a pinch or so will bring out the flavors!)
1 orange, sliced thin
1/2 lemon, sliced thin
Garnish (optional*)

Makes about 21 cups
Prep: 10 min., Cook: 15 min.
1 gallon apple cider
1 (11.5-ounce) can apricot nectar
2 cups sugar
2 cups orange juice
¾ cup lemon juice
4 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks
2 teaspoons ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Makes 4 Servings
Prep: 10 min., Cook: 5 min.
½ cup sugar
1/3 cup cocoa
2-½ cups strong brewed coffee
¼ cup coffee liqueur
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups milk

Makes about 8-½ cups
Prep: 10 min., Cook: 10 min.
5-½ cups milk
1-½ cups half-and-half
1-½ cups chocolate syrup
½ cup maraschino cherry juice, divided
1-¾ cups whipping cream
1 tablespoon powdered sugar
Maraschino cherries with stems (optional)

Known in India as lassi (lah-see), this shake-like beverage is usually prepared with mango. It's a healthy way to start your day.

Our fixings are a breeze to prepare and ideal for a backyard picnic with friends. No fancy recipes, just simple foods with minimal cleanup. Greet your guests with a strawberry-lemonade slush to beat the heat.