As the temperature dips and snow begins to fall with staying power, outdoor types get into the spirit. What with ice-skating, snow-shoeing, snowball fights and even making snow angels as great outdoor fun, the best part comes after, you know, when its time to break out the hot chocolate. A comforting mug of cocoa is something I greatly anticipate at this time of year.

Even though it doesn’t generally snow in New Orleans, this year we got a bit of the white stuff. Normally though, the weather just gets chilly and when it does, it’s hot cocoa time.

This week the weather has taken a twist and is almost spring-like (60’s and 70’s) and somehow drinking hot chocolate in the heat isn’t the thing.

That’s when I flashed on a Manhattan memory —Serendipity 3’s Frrrozen Hot Chocolate. For New Yorkers (and others in the know), weather is irrelevant to the enjoyment of this delicious concoction and thanks to the Internet and all things electronic/mail-order, proximity to Serendipity 3 is not an issue either. Chocolate lovers pay close attention, this frozen treat is a real hottie.

Imagine an enormous fishbowl-shaped dessert bowl filled with an icy chocolate confection, garnished with a mountain of fresh whipped cream and topped with shaved chocolate. Toss in two straws, spoons and its time for serious chocolate.

This brilliant creation “secret recipe” is made from no fewer than 14 kinds of chocolate and exotic cocoas, blended into the richest slushy ever to fix a chocolate craving.

Founded in 1954 by Stephen Bruce and his two partners, Calvin Holt and Preston “Patch” Caradine (the Serendipity 3), New York’s most famous dessert is served at a place that is part general store, restaurant, soda fountain and coffeehouse. In the mid 1950s, Serendipity allowed a young Andy Warhol to pay his tab with drawings. Warhol was obsessed with Serendipity desserts and had his own reserved table. Every year on Andy’s birthday, Serendipity holds a s√©ance, complete with table tremble.

Frrrozen Hot Chocolate has been and continues to be celebrated by celebrities (Marylyn Monroe, J. Lo, Candice Bergen, and even New York’s own Mayor Giuliani) and commoners too. The website (www.serendipity3.com) does a star watch report on who ate what, when and with whom.

Frrrozen Hot Chocolate has taken on a life of its own “co-starring” with John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale in the Miramax film aptly called, Serendipity. Many of the movie scenes were filmed on location because the film’s director is said to have quite a fondness for Frrrozen Hot Chocolate.

For those not chocolate inclined (is it possible?), Serendipity 3 also does a White Christmas Frrrozen Hot Chocolate made with white chocolate (not really chocolate —no letters please) and topped with crushed candy canes and a fresh mint sprig. There is also a Peanut Butter Frrrozen Hot Chocolate, Frrrrozen Mochaccino, and Frrrozen Pineapple Lime.

Want to enjoy Frozen Hot Chocolate on your lips with no worries for your hips? Serendipity has plunged into the bath and beauty world. There is a spectacular lipgloss (2 colors) intensely flavored like you-know-what, shower gel, body icing (lotion) and the big seller, Serendipity 3 Frrrozen Hot Chocolate Crème de Mint Foot Cream. I have it on good authority that the recipe can be made with skim milk and turns out quite good. Skim milk also works with the Frrrozen Hot Chocloate mix that is available on line.

Yes Virginia, there are angels. They are called Serendipity 3 and Frrrozen Hot Chocolate. Heavenly.

Filed Under: Food Talk