Homemade Hot Cocoa

I remember as a  child, before there were commercially available cocoa mixes in individual packets, my family made the most delicious  hot cocoa from scratch. During the time between Christmas and New Year's, while you are enjoying all your new gifts, perhaps a good cup of old fashioned cocoa is just what you need to hit the spot. Cocoa has health benefits as well as having the ability to bring on a soothing, feel-good mood. I have decided to devote this week's blog to recipes for homemade cocoa.  So here goes.

Regular Homemade Cocoa

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 cup sugar
1 pinch of salt
1/3 cup boiling water
3 1/2 cups milk
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup half and half

Combine cocoa, sugar and salt in a saucepan. Blend in boiling water. Bring to a boil. Simmer and stir for ab out 2 minutes. Stir in 3 1/2 cups milk and heat till hot. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Add half and half to cool cocoa to drinking temperature

Sugar and Milk Free Cocoa

Unsweetened almond milk
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Dairy-free semisweet or dark chocolate
Raw sugar, or sweetener of choice

Mix ingredients in amounts of your choosing and warm up in the microwave or use a saucepan on the stove. Cool and enjoy.

There are many flavorings you can add to your cocoa. Some people add peppermint extract or a peppermint stick. Vanilla is another favorite. Some folks like marshmallows. My favorite is cinnamon.

Sources:
tp://allrecipes.com/recipe/20211/creamy-hot-cocoa/
http://minimalistbaker.com/5-minute-vegan-hot-cocoa/
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/simple-hot-cocoa-for-one-369469

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy New Year. Check out my website at www.valerielull.com

Valerie Lull
Author/Herbalist
valerielull923@gmail.com