Christmas has come and gone, but winter will still be here for awhile. I am a firm believer reading should be accompanied by a warm drink. I am usually found with a cup of tea in my hand. Sometimes coffee. In the winter, always hot cocoa. I grew up with hot cocoa being a special winter drink enjoyed from Thanksgiving until the snow cleared. I grew up sipping my mom’s recipe.
Over the years, I have honed my own recipe, which has become beloved by friends. It’s rich and chocolaty because that’s exactly what cocoa should be.
Ingredients
- Milk
- Chocolate (Preferably semi-sweet baker’s chocolate, but chocolate chips will do)
- Sugar
- Marshmallows
Instructions
- Grab your favorite mug. Fill it with milk.
- In a medium pan put three ounces (or more if you like it chocolaty) of your favorite chocolate and a tablespoon of sugar with a quarter of the milk from your mug. Over medium heat using a whisk melt the sugar and chocolate until the mixture is thick.
- Pour the rest of the milk from the mug into the pan. Continue stirring continuously until boiling
- Pour the hot chocolate into the mug, add marshmallows and enjoy!!!
I love hot chocolate plain, but over the years, I have come up with fun variations to add a little something extra to it. Here are some of my favorites.
Peppermint Cocoa
- Take a candy cane and crush it up. Add half of the crushed candy cane to the pan with the milk. Once the cocoa is in the cup, sprinkle the candy cane pieces over the marshmallows for a pretty look.
Espresso Cocoa
- Add a shot of espresso to the pan with the milk. If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use a tablespoon of instant espresso/coffee at the beginning to melt with the chocolate and sugar. It will add caffeine and extra yumminess for the coffee lovers. A great way to start the day at the office!
Boozy Cocoa
- After the cocoa is made and in the mug, add a shot to your cocoa. You don’t want to put the alcohol in the pan while it’s cooking because you’ll boil away the alcohol. It’s a fun addition to a cozy girls’ night, romantic evening, ski trip, or any number of fun activities.
Best Boozes:
- Peppermint Schnapps
- Kahlua
- Vanilla Vodka
- Spiced Rum
- Whipped Cream Vodka
- Bailey’s