Pink Hot Chocolate

I don't know when this tradition first began, but having pink hot chocolate with our Valentine's Day breakfast has been something we've loved for years now. It's fun having a novelty food that becomes a special part of the holiday. This hot chocolate is just dreamy and we could easily drink it all winter long, but I like to keep it as a special treat for the kids to look forward to and get excited about. I won't lie, I get just as excited to drink it as they do! And even though it's still technically summer over here, we woke up to a cold, rainy, overcast morning. The kind of morning made for slippers and hot chocolate. Especially if it's pink. Happy Valentine's Day!

1 heaping cup white chocolate chips
1 c. heavy cream
4 c. half and half
½ tsp vanilla
approximately 7-8 drops red food coloring

Pour the cream into a large saucepan over medium heat and stir until heated through. Whisk in white chocolate chips until melted, stirring until completely smooth. Whisk in the half and half, vanilla and food coloring. Continue stirring until heated through, but don’t bring to a boil. Serve in mugs, topped with mini marshmallows or whipped cream.