Recipe: Anne’s hot cocoa is sweet, tasty and filled with flavor- and it’s all natural!
When the weather gets colder, it always makes me want a big, hot cup of cocoa with some marshmallows on top! The other day, I was looking for instant hot cocoa and couldn’t find any that were all natural. So, I bought plain, unsweetened cocoa powder and made my own! The result is a piping hot cup of cocoa that is (kind of) good for you. It’s also a perfect treat while watching Christmas movies, in your pajamas with snow falling outside. Sip, sip!
Note that if you want to add a special kick to this hot cocoa, simply melt a candy cane or peppermint candies in the piping how brew. The mint will add a special touch, almost making it like a mint chocolate-chip flavored hot cocoa! So good. Other extras that add an extra dash of personality to this recipe include a few squigs of caramel, a squeeze of chocolate syrup or some whole chocolate chips. Double chocolate? Yes, please!
For a festive presentation, during the holidays, present the chocolate cocoa in holiday mugs and on a holiday tray. Place some Christmas ornaments on the tray, too, for an extra special look. After all, what says Christmas more than hot cocoa? Not much!
Ingredients:
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1-1/2 tablespoons sugar
A tiny bit of salt
1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish:
Marshmallows, whipped cream or Cool Whip!
Directions:
1. Combine sugar, cocoa and salt in a small bowl.
2. Heat milk in a small saucepan over medium to medium-high heat until piping hot, but take care not to burn it. Pour the hot milk into a cup.
3. Add the sugar, cocoa and salt mixture to the milk and stir until dissolved. Stir in vanilla. If you want a stronger vanilla flavor, add another 1/8 teaspoon on vanilla extract.
4. Garnish with marshmallows, whipped cream or Cool Whip. Drink up!