Ice Skating & Cocoa Date
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Ice skating was one of the first dates Matthew and I ever went on. Since I had grown up ice skating, taking lessons and performing, I had the clear advantage when it came to the actual skills involved. I ended up having to teach Matthew a bit (something that has had to happen with snow sports because he grew up in Texas) and he even ended up being able to skate backwards, however poorly. Regardless of the skills mismatch, we both had lots of fun.
If you have any doubts about it, on the day Matthew proposed he took me ice skating. The whole day was a reenactment of some of his favorite dates we had been on. Apparently ice skating was a hit the first time. And now that I am thinking about it, it was a hit that time as well.
This “ice skating and cocoa” date combines all of our favorite things about winter. Enjoying the cold, crisp outside air. Playing outside in the snow and ice. Warm beverages. Sugar.
Have a blast cutting it up on the ice then treat yourselves to a nice cup of steaming hot chocolate. It tastes so much better after skating, once you’re chilly and sore. Then cozy up next to your date and relax. You’ve earned it.
Fancy Pants Hot Chocolate
If you really want to impress your date, try making hot chocolate from scratch. Try our recipe below. If you don’t have time, you could warm up at your favorite coffee shop or buy hot cocoa mix—we love this one by Ghirardelli.
In a medium sauce pan, bring the 3/4 cup water to a simmer over medium-high heat.
Whisk in 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder until the there are no more lumps, then add 3 cups of milk and return to a gentle simmer.
Whisk in 6 ounces of semisweet chocolate chips and 3 tablespoons of sugar, whisking frequently until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The chocolate chips should completely melt. Add a splash of cream to make it creamier, if desired.
Pour the hot chocolate into a thermos for later. We recommend a thermos that will actually keep hot, like this one. Pack up your hot chocolate toppings and mugs to take with you.
After ice skating, divide the hot chocolate between mugs. Top with your desired Fancy Pants toppings. If you need inspiration, check out our suggestions below.
Enjoy!
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
3 cups milk
3/4 cup water
6 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
Splash of heavy cream (optional)
Splash of flavoring syrup or alcohol (optional)
Fancy Pants toppings of choice:
whipped cream
gourmet marshmallows
flavored stirring sticks
peppermints
chocolate or caramel syrup
sprinkles
toasted coconut
chocolate chips
cinnamon or cocoa powder
Here are some great topping ideas for your hot chocolate . . .
Ice Skating & Cocoa Date
Time: 2+ hours | Cost: $$ | Location: Your Local Ice Rink | Level: Intermediate
This week, live life on the edge at the ice skating rink. Take a few turns on the ice with your date and after you tire out from all the s-turns and axels show off your hot chocolate skills with the most epic cup of cocoa you’ve ever concocted. Bundle up—this is going to be a cozy one.
Materials Needed:
Printable Invite
Printable Fancy Pants Hot Chocolate Recipe
Warm Clothes
Thermos, Mugs, Ingredients
Ice Skates (or Rent)
Your Local Ice Rink
Winter Playlist
Instructions:
Download the free printables below--including our invite and recipe--and optionally print. Otherwise, download the recipe to your phone or tablet and send the invite as a text message.
Make sure your date knows to dress warmly and to bring their skates if they have them!
On your way to the ice rink, put on our cozy winter playlist and talk about how well you know how to skate (the info may come in handy later!).
Once you arrive, buy your tickets and get your skates on. If your date is new to skating offer to help with the skates.
Get skating. If your date is not as familiar with skating, be sure to help them out. You may want to hold hands to ensure balance (wink, wink). More than anything, be safe and have fun.
Once you are tired and in need of a break, it is time to pull out the hot chocolate. Pour it into mugs from the thermos and top with some creative toppings. If you would rather, you could wait until you get home to do the hot chocolate while jamming to our playlist.
Take a video of your amazing skating skills and tag it @makeadateofit on instagram and facebook!
How was it? Show off your moves and tag us on Instagram @makeadateofit
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This week, live life on the edge at the ice skating rink and show off your hot chocolate skills with the most epic cup of cocoa you’ve ever concocted. Bundle up—this is going to be a cozy one.