"Mom, can we make hot cocoa?"
I get this question almost every day, lately.
It's always been a favorite winter treat in our family.
Who doesn't like a steamy cup of hot chocolate after playing in the snow?
And it's so easy, right?
Warm up some milk, stir in a packet of your favorite mix, and voila!
But wait!
Have you SEEN the ingredient lists of popular hot cocoa brands?
Corn syrup
Hydrogenated oils
Heat processed dairy powder
Plus other additives
Yuck!
We can do better than that!
With just a few minutes of prep, you can make your own hot cocoa the whole family will enjoy!
Hot Cocoa Mix
1 cup cocoa powder
1 cup sugar
3-4 packets of stevia (for more natural sweetness if desired.)
1 tsp salt
Mix and store in a pint jar.
Add 1-2 Tbsp per 8oz of warm milk
Stir till dissolved.
This would make wonderful gifts for all the chocolate lovers in your life!
If you want to avoid processed sugar, try this recipe.
Simple Hot Chocolate
1 cup milk
1 Tbsp maple syrup or honey
1 Tbsp cocoa powder
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Place all ingredients in a medium pot and whisk to combine over medium heat; do not boil.
Serve immediately in mugs, garnishing with peppermint stir sticks and whipped cream if desired.
To make a larger quantity, double or triple the recipe as necessary.
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