Double Chocolate Peppermint Malts

From the looks of my Instagram feed, I think most of us set up our trees over the weekend.

We are knee-deep in the most wonderful time of the year, and despite my chagrin at finding glitter in every corner and crevice of the house, I could not be more excited.

The Christmas shopping is done and the trees adorned, so a cozy break in the glow of our handiwork is much-needed.

And, I really cannot think of anything better to sip beside the tree than these ultra rich, chocolate peppermint malts.

They taste like winter and you might find yourself going back for refills.

While nearly all of our ingredients are pretty standard here, malted milk powder is one thing you may not already have in your pantry. Malted milk powder is a combination of wheat flour, malted barley extracts, powdered milk, salt, and sodium bicarbonate. It is a weird animal, but the tang it lends is beautifully unexpected.

Malted milk powder can be a little difficult to find in grocery stores, but is readily accessible online. This past time, I ordered this brand and I have been very pleased with the results!

While it would be easy to simply skip this more obscure ingredient, I am begging you to resist. The flavor properties of malt are so special, and the tangy notes really help to balance out the rather absurd amount of chocolate we are going to throw into this thing.

Just before pouring, whip up a bit of fresh cream for topping. The extra sweetness cuts through some of the richness of this shake for perfect, holiday harmony.

I am planning to keep all of these simple ingredients on hand throughout the holiday season so I can whip up a batch or two for company or impromptu Christmas movie nights.

Christmas comes in a glass this year.

Happy Monday!

Sincerely,

Pedantic Foodie

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Double Chocolate Peppermint Malts

serves 2

• 3 heaping cups chocolate ice cream

• 1/3 cup malted milk powder

• 1 cup whole milk

• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract

• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

• 2 tablespoons confectioner’s sugar

• peppermint candies, optional

Combine chocolate ice cream, malted milk powder, whole milk, cocoa powder, and peppermint extract in the base of your blender. Blend on high speed for one minute.

Divide the contents of the blender amongst two glasses.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine heavy cream and confectioner’s sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat on high speed until thick and fluffy. Top each glass with a generous dollop and finish with a peppermint candy.

Serve immediately. Enjoy!

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IT’S BEGINNING TO TASTE A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS…