1. In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until steaming.
2. Add white chocolate; whisk until smooth.
3. Stir in peppermint extract.
4. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream until stiff peaks form.
5. Fold in crushed candies.
6. Ladle hot chocolate into mugs; dollop with whipped cream. Sprinkle whipped cream with additional peppermint candies.
** This is my favorite hot chocolate. I don't usually make the homemade whipped cream, and opt for Reddi Wip instead.
**I make this in a hot drink maker that automatically melts and mixes the milk, chocolate, and peppermint. So simple, and makes enough for a crowd.
Drinking hot chocolate is a popular Christmas tradition. It tastes like home and is a comfort on cold winter days. In many countries, hot chocolate is not just a cold weather drink as it is closely associated with Advent and Christmas traditions. In the Philippines, for example, hot cocoa is the drink served during the traditional Christmas feast after Christ's Mass. After Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve in Switzerland, hot chocolate is served along with homemade donuts, known as ringli. Children in Denmark eat cookies instead of donuts with their hot chocolate on Christmas Eve. Making hot cocoa mix gifts is a popular Advent activity to complete while drinking hot cocoa by the fireplace. What's your tradition?