HOT chocolate season has officially arrived.
If you managed to grab Aldi’s Ambiano hot chocolate maker (a budget-friendly dupe of the pricey Hotel Chocolat velvetiser) you are in for a treat.
But these handy gadgets can do so much more . . .
MILKSHAKE MASTERPIECE: Turn your hot choc maker into a milkshake machine.
Whip up your drink as you normally would. While it’s blending, fill a chilled glass with ice and pour in 100ml of cold milk.
Once the hot chocolate is ready, pour it over the cold milk and ice. Use a straw to stir the mixture, creating a thick, creamy milkshake.
To take it to the next level, add a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
MARTINI MAGIC: Elevate your cocktail game with a decadent chocolate espresso martini — perfect for dinner parties.
Begin by making hot chocolate in your frother, then pour 50ml of it into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Add a shot of espresso, a shot of vodka and, for an extra touch of indulgence, a nice dash of Irish cream liqueur.
Shake vigorously until well mixed, then strain the cocktail into a martini glass. Dust the top with a little cocoa powder for a professional finish.
DELICIOUS DESSERT: Satisfy your sweet tooth with a rich, velvety chocolate mousse. Warm 100ml of whole milk in the frother, then add two servings of hot chocolate.
Pour the mixture into a dish and pop it in the fridge for a few hours to set. Once chilled, you will have a luxurious, fluffy mousse to feast on.
COOL COFFEE: Why pay for expensive lattes when you can make your own? Just froth up some cold milk while brewing a shot of espresso.
Pour the espresso into a large glass filled with ice, then top it with your frothy milk. You could also add a few spoons of caramel or chocolate syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a tasty autumn twist.
The result? A smooth creamy iced latte, made in the comfort of your home for a fraction of the price.
AT home for half-term? Pick up this 1,000-piece Clementoni Harry Potter puzzle, RRP £15.99, currently £6.99 at Home Bargains.
SAVE: £9
CREATE the perfect autumn display with a cute munchkin pumpkin, usually 79p, now 49p at Asda.
SAVE: 30p
DOWNLOAD the All Bar One app to claim a free glass of Moet & Chandon champagne during October. If you have already got the app, you can still take advantage – just check the offers section.
WISH you could splash out on the Bottega Veneta Hop tote bag, £3,670 from bottegaveneta.com?
Head to Marks & Spencer for its braided tote bag, for a much more reasonable £45.
SAVE: £3,625
FOR an affordable half-term activity, check out the Pumpkin Carving event at various Cherry Lane garden centres.
Kids will also enjoy a creepy cookie and a zombie dance-off. Tickets are £6.99 per child, and two adults can join in for free.
SERVE up tea on these blue beautiful plates from Dunelm. The Hampton 12-piece dinner set was £30, now £15.
SAVE: £15
SHOP online at jdwilliams.co.uk and save 25 per cent when you use the code SPARK at checkout.
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