Could you use a hot toddy?

We don't get snow that often around here, so we have to make the best of it while we can. For the kids, good hot chocolate is worth an extra step. Instead of chocolate powder, make the best hot chocolate using a couple of squares of milk or semisweet chocolate melted with milk in a small saucepan. Don't let the milk boil, just warm it enough to melt the chocolate, and keep whisking to mix it together.

Need a shortcut? Pull out the Nutella and stir a few spoons of that into warm milk. 

Now, for the adults, a hot toddy is a fine thing on a wintry night. Here's the recipe from my book "Bourbon: A Savor the South Cookbook." 

Hot Toddy

2 ounces bourbon

4 ounces hot water

1/2 teaspoon light brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon honey

1 slice lemon

1 clove

1 cinnamon stick

PLACE the bourbon, hot water, brown sugar and honey in a mug and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Add the lemon slice, close and cinnamon stick and serve. If it's not hot enough or you need to warm it back up, microwave it for 30 seconds. 

YIELD: 1 serving.

Photo: Getty Images