Holiday parties, shopping, caroling, and general merriment lost out to the simple goodness of sipping hot chocolate at Hot Cakes this week. But being Hot Cakes, you know it’s not just any ol’ cocoa. This is the “Northwest” version—infused with smoked chocolate and Douglas fir, then spiked with scotch and Solerno. It’s woodsy and chocolaty, just the right amount of sweet and just the right amount of stiff. Little puffs of cream and a generous drizzle of oozing chocolate float atop it all. If, after the madness of the holidays and too much time with your lovely family members, you’re feeling a tad on edge, tell everyone you need to run to the grocery store and come here instead. Ten minutes of quiet and this drink should do wonders for your state of mind.

nsprinkle@seattleweekly.com