Does anyone really need a reason to drink Hot Chocolate?
In case you do- it’s National Hot Chocolate Day on January 3st- woo hoo!
Making a mug of hot chocolate can be as simple as hot water with a spoon of pre-mixed powder. However, the chance that truly satisfies is debatable, especially when it only takes a few extra simple steps to make a deep, rich, creamy cup of cocoa.
When you make your own, you get to control the ingredients! Use my Easy Peasy Homemade Hot Chocolate recipe as a base.
First, choose your milk:
- Dairy-free: coconut, cashew and oat milk will result in the most creamy, full-body hot chocolate.
- Dairy-full: use whole milk and add in a few splashes of half-n-half or cream.
Then the chocolate:
- Use a mix of cacao powder AND dark chocolate chunks/bar for the richest depth of flavor.
Choose a sweetener:
- Maple syrup, coconut sugar, or monk fruit sugar are all great options; you may need more or less of each so start with only 1 tablespoon and adjust as needed.
Finally, the spices:
- Always a pinch of pink salt.
- I almost always add a dash of cinnamon powder and vanilla extract.
- Try cardamom, clove or a dash of cayenne for spice.
- A drop of peppermint or almond for a holiday splash.
- A spoonful of creamy peanut butter or a glug of cherry syrup adds a fun twist.
Opportunities are endless once you have this Easy Peasy Homemade Hot Chocolate base recipe.
Cacao and maple syrup are naturally filled with nutritious ingredients like antioxidants and magnesium. With all things, moderation is key because sugar is still sugar.
Happy National Hot Chocolate Day,
~Monique
Easy Peasy Homemade Hot Chocolate
2 cups preferred milk, see above (if you are using a can of full fat coconut milk, add 2/3 cup water)
2 tbls raw cacao powder
2 tbls dark chocolate chips/chunks (I like Hu Gems for a DF option)
1-3 tbls sweetener (maple syrup, coconut or monk fruit sugar)
½ tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla
pinch of salt
OPTIONAL flavorings: 1 shot of espresso or 1 tbls ground espresso, a pinch of cayenne, a drop of peppermint oil, 1 heaping spoon of peanut butter
Place all the ingredients in a small pot over medium heat. Stir to combine. Option to blend or whisk vigorously to create a foamy top.
TASTE and ADJUST: add more chocolate chunks for a richer hot chocolate. Simmer for an extra minute if you want a thicker mug. Too thick? Add a bit of water to thin. Add additional spice for interest.
Pour into your favorite mug, wrap your hands around it and breathe in the glorious Easy Peasy Homemade Hot Chocolate aroma before taking the first sip!
