One of my favorite afternoons during the crazy holiday season came a few days before Christmas when our absolute best friends stopped by for a visit.  They moved to Kentucky 2 1/2 years ago, and despite the distance we’ve managed to stay close.  Laura and I talk on the phone at least once a week, and whenever Evie and Mack are bored I task them with writing a letter to Addie and Catherine.  Soon enough Vivian and Elise will be old enough to be pen pals, too!  Hard to believe that 15 years ago Laura, Dan, Chris and I were partying in college…and eight years ago we were partying on the streets of Chicago…and now our idea of a party involves a quiet afternoon with six tiny littles who could not be cuter…!

Finding true, lasting friendships can be hard, so I feel so fortunate to have Laura in my life.  From the moment we had our first conversation as anxious soon-to-be college roommates in the summer of 1998 we’ve had a connection.  We share so much in common, and we always find reasons to laugh through the most absurd circumstances life throws at us.  Even now, how lucky are we to have three kids all the same ages…and husbands who are best friends, too?!

To welcome them to the bitter Chicago tundra, I sitrred up a batch of bourbon hot chocolate.  The recipe came from my friends at Marker’s Mark, and considering that Laura is a true-blue Kentuckian, I thought this drink would be quite fitting.  Unfortunately, I couldn’t drink along with her thanks to tiny baby #4, but next winter I’m sure we’ll find a chance to make up for it.

Kentucky Hot Chocolate

5 parts milk

1.5 parts Maker’s Mark Whisky

.5 part Combier Liqueur d’Orange

3 tablespoons homemade hot cocoa powder (or one packet of store bought stuff)

Warm milk in a saucepan over medium heat.  Whisk in Maker’s Mark, orange liqueur and hot cocoa powder.

Serve next to a roaring fire while wearing your favorite ugly Christmas sweater 🙂