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I don’t know about y’all, but hot coco season doesn’t really hit me until Christmas and beyond. I always like the idea of it around Thanksgiving and of course looking at Christmas lights pre-Christmas, but it’s much more of a winter to me. Winter doesn’t usually truly begin until right before Christmas, so I’m just now getting into the spirit.

I’ve always been okay with hot coco packets. I don’t have anything against them, but they are filled with unnecessary sugar and processed ingredients that I would prefer not to eat. Also, I’ve seen so many packets say “good source of calcium!” on the front, which reallllly annoys me. Good source of calcium?! How about eat some seeds, cheese, or beans and not try to trick people hot cocoa is actually a good source of calcium. #nope

Crate and Barrel Wood Server | Tiffany and Co Mug

I began to search the internet for a good homemade hot cocoa recipe and all I found was recipes that I’m sure were really good, but had a ton of ingredients. I’ve come to realize more and more that the less time it takes to make something, usalllly the better it is for me mentally. This year I actually pre-bought everything for our Christmas party and it was the easiest thing of my life. Oh, and NO ONE CARED I DIDN’T SLAVE OVER THE OVEN. I digress. Back to my easy recipe search…

Also while I was searching for a recipe, I got to thinking about hot chocolate vs hot cocoa and how I use them interchangeably. Well, they are not the same. Hot chocolate is usually thicker and more rich, while hot cocoa is thinner and more sweet. The older I get, the less sugar I can intake. It gives me a serious headache and makes me feel like crap. Point being, I also don’t want to drink something too sweet, so I was also looking for that in a recipe…or should I say lack of that in a recipe ;)

Well, I never found my “it” recipe, so I looked at a bunch and decided to make one of my own! I liked it and Nick approved it, so enjoy!! I went ahead and called mine a hot chocolate recipe, since I added chocolate chips, but it technically falls into the cocoa sector. I also made mine a Mexican Hot Chocolate, because those are my FAVE. I want to try and make it with some fresh turmeric next time and see how that goes. Sounds delicious and slightly nutritious ;)

Hot Chocolate Recipe:

• 1/4 cup cocoa powder

• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional! still good without them)

• 1/2 cup sugar (or sugar alternative like truvia, maple syrup or honey)

• 2 cups milk (or milk alternative like almond milk)

• 2 cups water

• 1/2 tsp vanilla

• a pinch of cayenne (optional! I used 5 sprinkles from the dotted top)

• 1 tsp cinnamon (optional!)

Directions:

Mix the dry ingredients in a sauce pan, then add milk and water. Bring to a boil and let bubble for 1 minute, constantly stirring, then reduce heat to low. Add in vanilla, cayenne and cinnamon, making it a Mexican hot chocolate! Stir and serve. Enjoy and don’t burn your mouth!

I topped mine with marshmallows, but it would also be good with homemade whipped cream! I shared my recipe with y’all on Week 1 of Elle’s Everyday Eats. It’s one of my favorite things to make during the summer, to eat with fresh fruit. Plus, it’s super easy and is impressive to guests ;) ALSO you can spike the whipped cream and add baileys or something to your hot chocolate and call it a night. The options are endless!

Have a favorite recipe? Let me know! Otherwise, stay warm and drink some hot cocoa for me!

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