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We’re in the first week of December and I haven’t got an advent calendar!

Every year I decide that this is going to be the year that I become super-organised and will effortlessly channel a combination of quaint Christmas homemade-ness and festive sophistication.

I’ll make homemade chutney and jam and give them as presents in handsome jars, I’ll make all of my own Christmas cards and there’ll constantly be mulled wine on the stove and mince pies in the oven. And all of this will take place with Frank Sinatra crooning in the background, the fire roaring and the house twinkling with candles and fairy lights.

When guests come to stay I will be wearing a pretty dress (not a terrible Christmas sock in sight, in my house) and just taking a tray of baked goods out of the oven that makes the whole house smell like festive gingerbread.

“I just had a spare half an hour, so I thought, why not!” I’ll say…

Essentially, my Christmas is going to look like a Marks and Spencer advert.

In reality, I haven’t even got organised enough to buy an advent calendar, never mind Christmas presents, but I am not loosing hope yet!

And when I do get round to buying an advent calendar, I will be consoled by two things:

1) By this time, all the advent calendars will be at least half price.
2) I will have 10 chocolates to ‘catch-up’ on!

To soothe and console in the chaos up to Christmas, put your feet up (without the terrible Christmas socks) and try this gorgeous, festive hot chocolate recipe. Enjoy!

With love, MA x

Christmas Hot Chocolate

Ingredients
250ml whole milk
1tbsp cocoa powder
25g good dark chocolate
15g sugar
1tsp vanilla extract
1 cinnamon stick
1strip of fresh orange zest

Recipe

• In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, gently heat the milk whilst adding all the ingredients.

• Once all is melted, remove from the heat and leave to steep for 10 minutes. (If you’re feeling naughty, add some Cointreau or brandy at this point!)

• Remove the cinnamon stick and orange zest, re-heat and serve in a big mug and with a dollop of cream, if you wish – preferably whilst wearing your pyjamas.