Christmas in July

Happy Monday! Well this weekend was HOT HOT HOT! Thanks to the insane heatwave that has been ravaging most of the country the past week, there is no better time to celebrate Christmas in July! What's better on a super steamy, 95 degree day than some frozen drinks, melted snowmen and a christmas tree in the sand? Or at least being on the beach and near sand, I'll take it. This little made up holiday was the theme of one of my favorite parties last summer because I love all things Christmas and will take any excuse to listen to Mariah Carey's All I want for Christmas or watch Elf before Thanksgiving. Here are some fun ideas for a summertime Christmas celebration.

A warm weather "sleigh" and by far the most awesome non-tree Christmas "tree" I have ever seen, created by stacking tons of green books and boxes against a mirror. Love!

Melted snowman cookies! How hilarious are these? Get the recipe {here}

 

Frozen Hot Chocolate!

NYC's Serendipity, home of the famous frozen hot chocolate, recently reveled their recipe for this  concoction of chocolaty goodness.  Simple and perfect for a hot summer day!

Serendipity's frozen hot chocolate

• 6 pieces (1/2-ounce) chocolate , a variety of your favorites (mix in some Andes for a minty twist)
• 2 teaspoons store-bought hot chocolate mix  
• 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 3 cups ice
• Whipped cream
• Chocolate shavings (if you want to get fancy)

Chop the chocolate into small pieces and place it in a double boiler over simmering water stirring occasionally until melted. Add the hot chocolate mix and sugar and stir until completely melted. (I tried to speed this up by melting chocolate in the microwave and then adding the cocoa, sugar and milk. Epic fail. This absolutely does not work!)

Remove from heat and slowly add ½ cup of milk until smooth. Cool to room temperature (also a very necessary step!)

In a blender, place the remaining cup of milk, the room-temperature chocolate mixture and the ice. Blend on high speed until smooth and the consistency of a frozen daiquiri. Pour into a giant glass and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Enjoy!