Winter

This recipe calls for semisweet chocolate; try a Mexican chocolate such as cinnamon-flavored Ibarra from Guadalajara if you can. If using Ibarra, omit the cinnamon sticks and brown sugar.

White chocolate adds a bit of luxury to the steaming brew.

This cooked version of eggnog (without any booze) gets chilled overnight and up to two days, so you can make it ahead and serve it to anyone who comes through the door.