The first whispers of Winter's bite blew through this morning and after walking the dogs I wanted something besides my everyday morning coffee. I thought how wonderful to wrap my hands around a warm mug and deeply inhale the rich soothing steam rising from a cup of rich decadent homemade cocoa. Anyone can rip open a packet of that instant stuff with the Morton Salt girl's Swedish cousin on the wrapper, but there is just something so satisfying about making this delicious brew from scratch.
It is simple.. Follow along.
Ingredients
1/2 cup Splenda Granular or equivalent sweetener of your choice1/4 cup baking cocoa
Dash salt
1/3 cup hot water
4 cups whole milk (Fairlife is a great choice)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
In a saucepan, combine sweetener, cocoa and salt.
Add water; bring to a boil.
Cook and stir for 2 minutes.
Stir in milk; heat to serving temperature (do not boil).
Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla.
Whisk until frothy. If desired
Hum contentedly as you taste...
Cook's Notes:
The pinch of salt counteracts the bitterness of the cocoa. A little goes a long way.
How can you make hot chocolate your own?
Substitute 1 cup of heavy cream for 1 cup of mik for a decadent rich mouth feel
Turn your hot chocolate into a Swiss mocha by adding 2 to 2-1/2 teaspoons instant coffee along with the vanilla.
Spice things up by adding 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne for a take on Mexican hot chocolate.
For peppermint hot cocoa, add a few drops of peppermint extract or stir cocoa with a sugar free peppermint stick or cane.
What toppings can you put on hot chocolate?
Jazz up your hot chocolate with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream, or pile on the sugar free marshmallows! You can also sprinkle with some grated chocolate or chocolate shavings—even with some warm spices such as cinnamon or cardamom.
Jazz up your hot chocolate with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream, or pile on the sugar free marshmallows! You can also sprinkle with some grated chocolate or chocolate shavings—even with some warm spices such as cinnamon or cardamom.
How do you reheat hot chocolate?
While a microwave will do the trick in a pinch, hot chocolate (like other warm and cozy drinks!) always warms up better on the stovetop. Heat hot chocolate over low to medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally, until nice and hot.
While a microwave will do the trick in a pinch, hot chocolate (like other warm and cozy drinks!) always warms up better on the stovetop. Heat hot chocolate over low to medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally, until nice and hot.
