Planning a Tree Trimming Party *

Welcome to Friday and time for another holiday  post : As we celebrate Christmas in July. Check out Lisa’s Daily Grind for some great party food.  

1. Choose a Date  / Time  ( which might be the hardest thing )
2. Choose a Theme
3. Choose a Place to have it.  ( Depending on size & theme )
4. Send Beautiful Invites  These can be paper or an online version to get a head count
5. Plan food  & enjoy.

The Theme sets  the tone for the party. Which will carry over to the invites & food choice for your party. 

Here a Tree Trimming Invite using a free  graphic design program fotojet

Hot Chocolate Bar  for the Party :

• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• ½ cup hot water
• 20 ounces chopped semi-sweet chocolate
• 10 cups whole milk (or 2% – see notes)
• 2 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk (not fat free)
• ½ cup sugar (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• toppings: marshmallows, toffee bits, coarse sea salt, mini chocolate chips, crushed peppermints, candy canes, soft peppermint sticks,  whipped cream, dark chocolate syrup, caramel sauce

1. Start by adding the cocoa powder to a bowl, pour in the hot water and whisk until mixed.
2. Add the cocoa mixture along with the chopped chocolate, milk, heavy cream, evaporated milk, and salt to a 6 quart slow cooker or larger. If you’re serving this with a hot chocolate bar and toppings, consider leaving out the sugar to avoid the hot chocolate being too sweet. If you’re serving the hot chocolate solo, add in the sugar.
3. Cook the hot chocolate on the high setting for 4 hours or on low for 6 hours. Low for 6 hours is what I prefer. Make sure to stir the hot chocolate every hour to keep the chocolate from settling to the bottom.
4. Keep on the warm setting if you’re serving it hot chocolate bar style with toppings on the side. Leftover hot chocolate can be refrigerated for up to one week and warmed in the microwave before serving.