"It's homemade hot chocolate?" I responded with a smile. "Want to try some?"
Growing up, my mother made large batches of homemade hot chocolate, but I was determined to find one that was healthier. Sorry Mom.
Go ahead. Read the label on the hot chocolate mixes at your store. Do you see "fully hydrogenated coconut oil" or "corn syrup solids" or sugar as the first ingredient? How about added salt?
Sad really. We love this stuff, but never really took the time to read the ingredients. This year we did. I guess, with being "busy" making everything else from scratch, it had not occurred to me. Convenience got the best of me. Sadly.
But...
With the help of a farmgirl friend, and a shared recipe, I found one that we like.
Hot Chocolate Mix
8 cups powdered milk
1/4-3/4 cup cocoa powder*
2 cups granulated sugar
Mix all ingredients and store in an airtight container. Mix 3-4 Tbsp. with hot water in a mug.
Even though the kids gave me that "yuck" look the first sip they tried, I caught them later sneaking another cup of it. Ha ha ha! *We like this mix made with 2/3 to 3/4 cup cocoa, and we use 4 Tbsp. of dry mix per cup.
As for buying organic cocoa powder, it will cost you more. A lot more. Cocoa weighs heavy, and can run your price way up. Until I can afford to buy my cocoa organic, this recipe is much healthier for my family, and they can get more benefits from drinking it (versus those so-called hot chocolate mixes sold in stores today).
Looking for homemade gifts for Christmas? Try a cup of Lavender Hot Chocolate, from Conner Orchards (I tried some, and yum!).
Comments
I usually just add cocoa and sugar to a mug of milk and heat it in the microwave.
You've reminded me what I've been missing.
I think I'll make some.
Pat
Try adding a dash or two of cayenne powder to the mix in your cup just before you add in the hot water. The wonderful flavor will amaze you, and warms you up even more on those extra cold days.
is diabetic and Coconut Sugar has a low glycemic level and lower caloric count
so I'm hoping this will work for him. Over the counter has Splenda which in and of
itself is really bad and the ingredients on store bought is nothing but bad bad bad.