During the winter, one of my favorite activities is baking. Over the years, I’ve discovered these two chocolate-packed recipes. They are easy to make and taste delicious.

Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake

Cake Ingredients
1 package of chocolate cake mix
1 package of instant vanilla pudding mix
4 eggs
1 cup of sour cream
1/3 cup of oil
1/2 cup of water
1 1/2 cups of semi sweet chocolate chips

Icing and Garnish Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter, softened
4 ounces cream cheese
1/4 cup of milk
1 cup powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
11 soft peppermint candies (Tip: brands with good peppermints for this recipe are Stewart Candy and Bob’s)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, sour cream, oil and water. Mix ingredients until combined.
3. Add chocolate chips to the batter and fold to incorporate.
4. Grease bundt pan, then pour batter into pan.
5. Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick can be inserted and come out clean.
6. After cake has cooled for a few minutes, turn cake out of pan and onto a cooling rack. Leave to cool completely.
7. Take 6 of the 11 peppermints and crush them into a fine powder. Take the remaining 5 peppermints and crush them into big chunks. Using a rolling pin works well for this step.
8. Using a mixer, cream together the butter and cream cheese.
9. Add in the vanilla extract, then mix until combined. Add powdered sugar. Mix until no clumps remain. Add milk and mix slowly until liquid is incorporated.
10. Add the powdered peppermints and mix into frosting.
11. Frost cake and top with crushed peppermints.

Hot Chocolate

Ingredients
1 cup of milk
2 tablespoons heavy cream
2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
2 tablespoons of brown sugar
a pinch of salt
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Combine the cocoa, brown sugar, and salt in a small bowl.
2. Mix the milk and cream together in a small pot. Then add the dry mixture. Set the pot on the stove over medium heat.
3. Add in the vanilla and heat till desired temperature.
4. Pour in mug and enjoy.