Get the party started with a fabulous holiday meals or other party-worthy drink recipe. Apple cider cocktail, peppermint punch, hot chocolate, and eggnog are just a few of our favorite must-try holiday drinks of the season. Many of our Christmas dinners are easy to make ahead, leaving you stress-free (and extra cheery!) for your holiday party.

Ingredients

6 - inches stick cinnamon
8 - cardamom pods
1 - vanilla bean, split or 2 teaspoons vanilla
3 - cups half-and-half or light cream
3 - cups milk
1 1/2 - cups white baking pieces
Grated dark chocolate and/or white chocolate (optional)

Directions
Place the cinnamon, cardamom, and vanilla bean, if using, on a square of 100-percent-cotton cheesecloth. Bring up corners of cheesecloth and tie with 100-percent-cotton string.

In a 3 1/2- to 4-quart slow cooker stir together the cream, milk, and baking pieces. Add spice bag. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 4 to 5 hours or on high-heat setting for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, stirring halfway through cooking time. Remove spice bag and stir in vanilla, if using. If desired, top servings with grated chocolate.

Nutrition Facts (White Hot Chocolate)
Per serving: 403 kcal cal., 24 g fat (18 g sat. fat, 0 g polyunsaturated fat, 3 g monounsatured fat), 40 mg chol., 142 mg sodium, 35 g carb., 0 g fiber, 31 g sugar, 6 g pro. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet