Creating Comfort At Home With Starbucks #HotCocoa #KCups + Hot Chocolate French Toast Recipe #IC

This post was sponsored by Starbucks^® as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. I received compensation and complimentary products to facilitate my review.#IC

Momma Told Me: Welcome home, get cozy.

The past two weeks have been hectic around here. We've 'endured' the indecisive Southern California Winter weather- 90F and 20MPH winds one moment, torrential rain and wind chill the next. I know, from a life growing up here, not to complain. My friends and family back East have much more to contend with. But what I wasn't expecting was to open up my kitchen sink cabinet 10 days ago to discover a leak had burst (who knows how long prior) and the entire cabinet was full of sitting moisture. I'll spare you the details but that portion of the house was off limits for an entire week. And me, without my kitchen to bake and cook in, was the worst of all. I felt like a fish out of water and my idle hands, once busy with baking sheets, mixers, and boiling pots, sought comfort elsewhere. The Starbucks^® Cozy Collection couldn't have arrived at a more opportune time.

Featuring Starbucks^®' new delicious Hot Cocoa K-Cup^® pods in Classic and Salted Caramel, the Cozy Collection is quite literally a box full of instant comfort. It was just the veritable 'hug' I needed when I was feeling so much like a stranger in my own home. All I need do was pop one of the K-Cup^® pods, full of classic Starbucks^® Hot Cocoa comfort flavor, into my Keurig^®, put my brand new Starbucks mug beneath, and hit brew. Thanks goodness my Keurig^® was not off limits! Included with the Cozy Collection was also a decadent plush blanket, Madyson's gourmet marshmallows, Walker's Shortbread, a $5 Starbucks^® Gift Card, and some Starbucks Hot Cocoa inspired recipes.

There is something about Hot Cocoa- it never mattered much the time of day or the weather outside, the cozy feelings of comfort and contentment always rush back with my first sip. When I was a young girl I used to order it as my 'drink' whenever we'd dine out. It could be pushing 100F outside, my family escaping indoors to air conditioning from theme park weather, and I'd still demand that warm drink of cozy chocolate. Of course, as an adult, my tastes have grown up a little. Now I sneak a Venti cup up my favorite Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate at the drive through on my way to the alley from Starbucks^®. And, if there happens to be a car behind me, I treat them too. That's what warm fuzzy, delicious, feelings tend to do.

So with the convenience of Starbucks^®' newest K-Cup^® pods in delicious Classic and Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa flavors I've been enjoying even more Cozy moments from the comfort of my own home. Because, let's face it, it doesn't get any more cozy then you're own personal space, with your own perfect cup of hot cocoa. Extra marshmallows, a dash of cinnamon, a hot fudge drizzle? I don't judge. That's the beauty of being your own barista with Starbucks^®' Hot Cocoa K-Cup^® pods and your Keurig^® brewer. Of course I DO have my own opinions about how to best get Cozy- and they involve homemade Honey-Vanilla Whipped Cream (you can make this in minutes folks, with just 3 ingredients) and the very best french toast you've ever had.

Of course my Hot Chocolate French Toast takes a *little* longer than the Honey-Vanilla Whipped Cream, but have no fear, you can enjoy a tall glass of Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa while you whip it up- nobody's watching, indulge a little. And, speaking of indulging- this french toast- it's a 'dessert' kind of recipe. And it's not for the faint of heart- chocolate lover's rejoice- finally the perfect companion to a cozy blanket, a mug of hot cocoa and a good book!

 The secret to this delicious recipe? Well, there are two, actually. The first is the homemade Ganache whipped up with coconut milk, semi sweet morsels, and a Starbucks^® Via Caramel Instant Latte packet. Just pour your favorite Starbucks Instant directly in for an immediate flavor boost that elevates this dish beyond traditional chocolate. The second secret is in how you brew your Starbucks Hot Cocoa K-Cup^® pods. If you happen to have a 2.0 Keurig^® Brewer, or newer, you can actually tell your unit to brew your Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa even stronger. So go ahead and select '4oz' and let all the flavor out as you make your egg bath for this french toast recipe.

Now, some may find that hot chocolate has no business without marshmallows- if you're a purest then go ahead and sandwich some mini marshmallows in between your bread slices just before you begin soaking them. They'll melt nice and ooey-gooey during the baking process. Comfort food should be a little messy, no? Of course, if you prefer to let the chocolate stand out on it's own, you can just go a little overboard with your 'spreading' of the Ganache and make these french toast wedges extra thick. It's your cozy, do what you want.

But, at the end of the day, or morning if you're a real rebel, when those french toast wedges come out of the frying pan and onto those plates I do hope your world goes silent if just for one moment so you can bask in the perfect pairing of chocolate, Starbucks, and comfort food. Go ahead and flop into your favorite chair in your plushest robe, kick your feet up, sip your hot cocoa with your pink up and let your fork take you another place and time. After all, we all deserve to get cozy now and then.

Starbucks® Hot Cocoa K-Cup® pods are available nationwide at major retailers and grocery stores. Visit their website to learn more about store locations, flavor selections, and even more delicious ways to enjoy Starbucks in your own Cozy moment at home. For a chance to win your own Cozy Collection from Starbucks please head on over to the Warm Up With Cocoa website to enter now through February 26th, 2016. Follow the brand in Instagram or Twitter to keep up with the latest innovations in flavor and  cozy. Now, tell me, what's your favorite way to enjoy a cup of hot cocoa?

What Daughter Says: However you take your cocoa, get cozy at home with new Starbucks® Hot Cocoa K-Cup® pods.

Hot Chocolate French Toast

Click here for printable Hot Chocolate French Toast recipe

Holiday Gherkins, Homemade SugarCubes, and Instant Ornaments

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MakeItMerrier #CollectiveBias

Momma Told Me: I need my liquid motivation.

The holidays are exhausting.

It's okay, you can say it.

Anything awesome usually takes a bit of effort, and this season is one giant example. From the sparkling eyes of bushy tailed children on December 25th, to the good eats and great memories created among beloved family and friends. I begin holiday shopping in January, hit the 'test' kitchen around March, and host several small local events leading up to the season to help hone my plan of attack for the upcoming month. There are nights I crawl into bed with cocoa shellacked to my hairline and industrial sized rolls of wrapping paper as makeshift carpeting. And I'd be half the holiday powerhouse of a woman I am if it weren't for my bottomless tumbler of liquid motivation.

Growing up, Momma was always a bit of a grinch- There, I said it. But she, self admittedly, does not care for the energy and hassle that comes with entertaining in-laws and meticulously planning outdoor light shows. It's ironic, really, because she DOES love the chance to wake up at 2 AM on Black Friday and the day after Christmas to comb through sales and buy seasonal decor at massive discounts. It was a running joke in our household that Momma must have loved the holidays because it was one of the few times she really got to put my father to work. Every December 26th Momma and I would return home from 'after holiday' closeouts with a car chocked full of last season's merriment. And every November Momma would furrow her brown and throw her hands up in the air as she insisted it was my father and I's job to put up all the decorations SHE bought!

Of course I'm well into adulthood now, and run my own household- but I tend to like to micro-manage so much I could never sit back and direct while someone else takes all the guts and glory. I'm a hands on holiday enthusiast, and every year I institute a new tradition or two to the family lineup. A few years back, when we moved into the condo I adopted the 'Holiday Gherkin' tradition of hiding a glass pickle ornament on the (massive 10') tree. I like the tradition mainly because 1.) it's kitschy, 2.) it was long associated with my German heritage, despite and real connection, and 3.) who doesn't want to find a hidden pickle in hopes of receiving a reward?

This year, inspired by Momma's sentiments that 'anything is made better with a cup of coffee,' I've decided to integrate one of my favorite coffee house brands into our entertaining and celebrations. Last year we kept the Keurig out at a coffee station, where guests could serve themselves as they wished. It was something that worked well, but required guests to leave the action, and retire to the kitchen, to brew their after dinner beverage. This year I'll be keeping an electric kettle on coffee and dining tables, and I'll be adding a special touch to our holiday tree with Starbucks VIA and Instant selections in handmade Instant Ornaments.

Since our massive tree is the first thing you see when walking into our home it's the focal point of many seasonal gatherings. I've made these adorable little seasonal tags to tie to Starbucks VIA and Instant selections and hang on the tree. It's as simple as choosing warm beverage favorites such as Starbucks VIA Instant Pike Place Roast or Starbucks VIA Instant Caramel Latte packets, doubling over a piece of scotch tape across the top, and punching a hole through. Next, string a piece of decorative package twine through our labels and the makeshift hanger, and display on the tree for guests to take. This not only helps spark conversation over the decorations and ornaments on your tree, but also gets guests in the seasonal spirit! Grab the free Instant Ornaments Printable Tags here!

Of course, even in SoCal, I rely on the flavors (okay, and most of the time caffeine) of warm beverages to keep me energized, motivated, and going this season. Our house is constantly stocked with our favorite warm beverage selections, from Starbucks Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa K-Cups to the Starbucks Anniversary Blend ground coffee I love to brew in my French Press. One thing they all have in common? Flavor! And one of the season's biggest flavors? Pumpkin Spice- which is exactly why I whipped up my own Pumpkin Spice flavoring, and was further inspired to make my own artisan sugar cubes for holiday gifts this year.

If creating pumpkin spice magic sounds complicated to you, fear not- anything with a basic spice rack can whip up this flavor in seconds. Just combine 1 TBS ground cinnamon, 3/4 TSP Ground Ginger, 3/4 TSP Ground Nutmeg, 1/4 TSP Ground Cloves, and 1/4 TSP of All Spice. To make Pumpkin Spice Sugar cubes add the mixture to 1 C of white granulated sugar. Next, add 2 TBS of purified water and combine with a fork until fluffy, but gritty. Pack your sugar mixture into baking dish to about 1" height and allow the sugar brick to air dry overnight. Remove your flavored sugar brick and carefully cut into cubes, or break apart for a more rustic presentation. (Some people like that '2 sugar cubes' kinda thing, ya know?)

Because the process is so simple I played around with a few sugar cube variations. For one batch I added peppermint candy crumbles. For another I added fresh vanilla bean and lemon extract. For the final I combined fresh minced mint and vanilla bean (this was the most delicious but has a short shelf life due to the fresh/moist mint.) To make multiple batches at once I packed them all into a mini loaf pan with 8 individual compartments. This also made it easier to remove the loafs one at a time, rather than a giant sheet/brick of sugar.

For seasonal gifting I tied some Starbucks K-Cups together, or bundled Starbucks VIA Instant and Hot Cocoa varieties with a nice mug, tea spoon, fine linen napkin and a jar of my homemade sugar cubes. I was able to find all of my 'at home' and on the go Starbucks selections at our local Vons, though you'll also find Starbucks selections at stores such as Target and Walmart, too. I was tickled to discover there were so many delicious varieties and formats of my favorite Starbucks beverages. I dare say I picked up more than enough selections to fill my gift bundles and my own cupboards! There's even an exclusive promotion right now where you can claim a $5 Starbucks Card e-gift when you buy 3 participating Starbucks products at any retailer!

It may feel like the season is just beginning- but we've had our tree up for a week already- we always celebrate two Christmas gatherings (one in December and one on Thanksgiving when the East Coast family is in town.) For me, the season is in full swing, and I am more than prepared.  If any crotchety Bah Humbugs cross my way I'll be sure to point them toward the tree with a mug in their hand, where they're sure to find their own liquid smiles. I know I won't be letting my seasonal secret (tumbler) far from my hands as I play the doting host!  Discover more seasonal hosting ideas and festive serving ideas on the Starbucks Instagram page.

However you plan to tackle the holiday season, whatever your family's unique traditions, take a little inspiration from Jay and when the going gets tough, just 'Sip And Bear It.' And yes, that is his genuine reaction to having a fresh mug of coffee placed in his hand. Aren't I a wonderful woman? We just might have to look at switching him to caffeine free, or make him sign a waiver if he's planning on consuming more drinks this season! Ah, heck, you only live once, right? There's no turning back now- what are some of your tips and tricks to pull off the perfect holiday?

Get a $5 Starbucks Card e-gift when you purchase 3 or more qualifying Starbucks products.

What Daughter Says: Fuel the holidays with delicious beverages and delightful guests.