Well, I didn't quite make my goal for January, but like I said in my update - recovery can be slow. Today I'm helping out a friend by babysitting this afternoon and then we'll have some grown up time tonight. Being the awesome babysitter I am, I not only brought movies to watch (I dare you to not love minions!) but also fresh homemade hot chocolate mix.
I've been searching for a good hot chocolate mix for years - store bought is just never very good. I know I posted one back in October, but the way it's made it's better for a small group because it has to be used within a couple days. This is a dry mix that will keep for...well, the first batch I made several weeks ago and it still tastes wonderful. Since that batch is almost finished, this morning I thought I'd make a fresh one to share with the kiddos.
You will need:
I've been searching for a good hot chocolate mix for years - store bought is just never very good. I know I posted one back in October, but the way it's made it's better for a small group because it has to be used within a couple days. This is a dry mix that will keep for...well, the first batch I made several weeks ago and it still tastes wonderful. Since that batch is almost finished, this morning I thought I'd make a fresh one to share with the kiddos.
You will need:
- 1/2 c sugar
- 1/2 c cocoa powder
- 1 tbls corn starch
- 3 oz semi or bittersweet chocolate, roughly chopped
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp fine sea salt or 1/4 tsp kosher salt
To use, heat one cup of milk (any kind of milk should work, including soy, almond, etc.), add in 2 tbls of mix, and allow to melt and dissolve completely.
I like to use a higher fat milk for this, so typically will get a little 2% or whole milk. I like my hot chocolate to be creamy, and let's face it - hot chocolate is supposed to be decadent. Splurge a little! The mix itself is only 50 calories for the 2 tbls serving, so even with whole milk will be fewer calories than any specialty drink you buy (sorry Wawa...I love you but for my frequent flyer kind of drink I'm all about the homemade).
It's also easy to make this into a specialty hot cocoa - add in a few drops of an extract, like peppermint or orange. Top with some mini marshmallows or whipped cream. Or....if you're like me and enjoy twisting an innocent beverage into a perverted adult drink, throw in a shot of Bailey's or Creme de Cacao. Mmmm, so good.
It's also easy to make this into a specialty hot cocoa - add in a few drops of an extract, like peppermint or orange. Top with some mini marshmallows or whipped cream. Or....if you're like me and enjoy twisting an innocent beverage into a perverted adult drink, throw in a shot of Bailey's or Creme de Cacao. Mmmm, so good.
Hope you all enjoy! Leave me some comments on new ways you try it as you tweak it to fit your tastes. Stay warm, my friends.
The Jolly Cook
*Original recipe found on smittenkitten.com.
The Jolly Cook
*Original recipe found on smittenkitten.com.