Happy New Year!
Now that the holiday season has come to a close, it’s really starting to feel like winter. Any remnants of my summer wardrobe are gone, the mornings are absolutely freezing when I wake up (making it exceptionally difficult to leave my cozy bed), the air is so static-filled that every time I touch metal there’s a little shock, and there’s a thin layer of leftover snow and ice you have to watch out for on the ground at all times.
Most importantly, I’ve also broken out the repertoire of hot winter drinks. Hot chocolate is a winter MUST for warming both your insides and your numb fingers during the chilly season. It’s also useful for soothing all kinds of headaches and stress, which I will definitely be needing during the next few weeks. Between midterms, meets, and music, I’m pretty much swamped!
After a lot of experimentation, I’ve discovered that the golden ratio for hot chocolate is 1 part cocoa powder to 3 parts sugar. I went through several cups of gross, bitter chocolate before solving that little mystery. Ew ew ew.
I love this recipe for so many reasons.
1) It doesn’t actually take longer than the packet to make (water boils at the exact same speed either way…), but it’s obviously a lot more yummy when you make the mix yourself.
2) It can be made in the mug, so no cleanup! Yay!
3) There are endless flavor variations. Try it with a few drops of peppermint extract for a peppermint hot chocolate, or substitute in dark chocolate cocoa powder with a dash of cayenne for something spicy!
We all have those days when all you want is to snuggle up with a mug of cocoa, and this is your recipe for those times. There’s no doubt about it – hot chocolate is a hug in a cup.
Hot Chocolate Mix
Serves 1
1/2 tablespoon of cocoa powder
1 1/2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
1/8 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (optional)
1 cup of boiling hot water or milk
Whipped Cream, for topping
In a mug, stir together the cocoa powder, sugar, and cinnamon. While stirring constantly, add in the hot water/milk little by little to keep a smooth consistency. Once the mug is full, top with whipped cream and enjoy!
xoxo
Deanna
Homemade…is there any other?!
My preferred ratio is 1:1 on the cocoa to sugar, but to each connoisseur, her own!!! You’ve got to like it!! Experiment a bit, too. Instead of cinnamon (YUM) try a bit of vanilla and a bit of peppermint. Or vanilla and orange. Or vanilla and almond. All. So. Good.
I love the idea of vanilla! I’ll have to give that a try.