Hot Chocolate on a Winter Porch

Winter has arrived much earlier to Wisconsin, but the snow shouldn't stop anyone from enjoying the beauty of the quiet woods.  Even though it may have snowed and the temperatures are getting much colder while we are in the midst of the Fall season, it is still time to enjoy a fun gathering and a cup of hot chocolate on the front porch.

Since I have a love for plaid and mixing patterns, I sewed a black bench pad for the front porch bench and accented it with grey and red plaid pillows and a matching table topper.  In addition, I added yet another plaid pattern with the cranberry red plaid pillows and solid red pillows to really make the porch pop with color.

In addition to plenty of bold and comfy pillows and a deer skin rug to add softness, there is rich and creamy hot chocolate to make the time on the front porch warmer and cozier.

And who can resist a slice of warm cinnamon apple pancake baked in a cast iron skillet.  Dusted in powdered sugar, it has the perfect sweetness and is ideal for serving in mini cast iron skillets along with a cup of hot chocolate poured into a "sweater wrapped" mason jar with a peppermint-striped curly straw.

Below is the recipe for this yummy breakfast pancake: 

Apple Buttermilk Pancake in a Skillet

2 eggs

2 T brown sugar

1/2 C buttermilk

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 C all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp. salt

3/4 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

1/4 tsp. cardamom

3 T butter

1 medium Jonagold apple, peeled and sliced

Powdered sugar for dusting

Preheat over to 450 degrees F.  Combine in the blender eggs, brown sugar, buttermilk, vanilla extract, flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom until blended and smooth.  Melt butter a a large cast iron skillet and add apple slices.  Cook a few minutes until the apples begin to become soft.  Disperse apples evenly at the bottom of the skillet.  Add batter and tilt so the batter is even throughout the bottom of the pan.  Place in the oven and bake for about 15 or 20 minutes until golden brown.  Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with apple slices and whipped cream topping (if desired) before serving. 

A black and red plaid bow adorn this outdoor wreath along with a red Nordic themed metal bell.

I just had to add a gingerbread accent to the porch.  This adorable gingerbread boy dressed in gingham is a sweet faux cookie which speaks volumes.  Even though it is small, it is an important detail.

I guess it truly is a hot chocolate kind of day on the winter porch.

Stay warm.  

Winter has begun.