Hot chocolate station

• milk↗1 litre litre
• double cream↗300ml ml
• cocoa↗5 tbsp tbsp

  plus a little for dusting

• light brown soft sugar↗50g g
• dark chocolate↗150g g

  finely chopped

• whipped cream↗

  or squirty cream

• chocolate shaving

  or buttons

• mini marshmallows
• mini choc chip cookies↗
• sprinkles↗festive

  festive

• ground cinnamon↗

  for dusting

• candy canes

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Put the milk, cream, cocoa, sugar and dark chocolate in a large saucepan. Heat gently for 5-10 mins, stirring continuously until the chocolate has melted and looks smooth. You can now keep the pan warm over a low heat for up to 1 hr (stir it regularly), or ideally transfer to a large slow cooker set to low and keep warm throughout the party.

2. 2

   Make your hot chocolate station by transferring the toppings to bowls or jars and arranging them close to your hot chocolate pan. Put out plenty of mugs, spoons and mini tongs or scoops for sprinkling on the toppings. Let your guests create their own customised mugs of hot chocolate, then tuck in with the Christmas tunes playing.