When the weather outside is frightful, there's nothing more delightful than a cup of steaming hot cocoa. Whether you're curled up on the couch with a good book or gathered around the fireplace with friends and family, a warm cup of cocoa can bring a sense of comfort and coziness to any winter day. But not all hot cocoas are created equal. If you're looking for a rich, flavorful, and truly homestyle hot cocoa, then you'll need to look beyond the instant mix and make your own from scratch. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a hot cocoa that will warm you from head to toe and satisfy your sweet tooth all at the same time.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
HOT COCOA
WITH the first chill in the air, I begin thinking of hot cocoa. This simple recipe can be stirred up in no time, rich tasting and just enough for two.
Provided by Taste of Home
Time 15m
Yield 2 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- In a small saucepan, combine sugar and cocoa; stir in 2/3 cup water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook and stir for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat. , Stir in milk powder and remaining water. Return to the heat; cook and stir until heated through. Stir in vanilla.
Nutrition Facts :
HOMESTYLE HOT COCOA
Growing up in snowy Canadian winters, my mom would always make my brothers and me hot cocoa after a night of tobogganing. When I got older - and had long since abandoned real cocoa for the instant variety - I had a craving one night for a more wholesome treat. Here's my recipe for a creamier, homestyle cup of cocoa. Perfect for those snowy winter nights!
Provided by Katherine.Ann
Categories Drinks Recipes Hot Chocolate Recipes
Time 10m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Whisk together sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and salt in a saucepan; stir in boiling water. Whisk until sugar is dissolved.
- Bring cocoa mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, about 2 minutes; stir milk and 1/2 cup half-and-half into water mixture. Cook and stir just until hot, about 2 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat; stir in remaining half-and-half and vanilla extract.
- Divide cocoa into mugs, top with marshmallows, and serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 331.6 calories, Carbohydrate 51.9 g, Cholesterol 37 mg, Fat 11.6 g, Fiber 2.4 g, Protein 9.5 g, SaturatedFat 7.2 g, Sodium 152.3 mg, Sugar 42.2 g
HOT COCOA MIX
My homemade hot cocoa mix packs a warming punch with a pinch of cayenne and plenty of chocolate flavor from Dutch process cocoa.Instant cocoa is a fine concept, but most commercial mixes aren't exactly packed with quality ingredients or flavor. My signature instant cocoa blend will fortify you through winter's worst. My homemade marshmallows go pretty good with this mix too. Just sayin'. This recipe first appeared in Season 5 of Good Eats.
Provided by Level Agency
Categories Drinks
Time 5m
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In a large airtight container, combine the powdered sugar, cocoa, powdered milk, salt, cornstarch, and cayenne. Place the lid on the container and shake vigorously to combine. Sealed in an airtight container, this mix keeps indefinitely in the pantry.
- To serve: Place two tablespoons of the mix in a mug and add about 2 fluid ounces hot water or milk. Stir to combine. Fill the rest of the mug with hot water or milk and enjoy.
HOMEMADE HOT COCOA
This homemade hot chocolate recipe will make people think you fussed but it is so simple. -Hershey Food Corporation, Cheryl Reitz, Hershey, Pennsylvania
Provided by Taste of Home
Time 15m
Yield 5 cups.
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, 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, garnish with marshmallows, cream or cinnamon sticks.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 211 calories, Fat 7g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 27mg cholesterol, Sodium 125mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (28g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 7g protein.
Tips for Making the Best Hot Cocoa
- Use high-quality cocoa powder. The quality of the cocoa powder you use will make a big difference in the flavor of your hot cocoa. Look for a cocoa powder that is labeled "natural" or "unsweetened." Avoid cocoa powders that contain added sugar, flavoring, or thickeners.
- Use whole milk for a richer flavor. Whole milk will give your hot cocoa a richer, creamier flavor than skim or low-fat milk. If you are lactose-intolerant, you can use almond milk or soy milk instead.
- Sweeten your hot cocoa to taste. The amount of sugar you add to your hot cocoa is a matter of personal preference. Start with a small amount of sugar and add more to taste. You can also use honey or maple syrup to sweeten your hot cocoa.
- Add a pinch of salt. A pinch of salt will help to balance the sweetness of the hot cocoa and make the flavor more complex.
- Top with whipped cream and marshmallows. Whipped cream and marshmallows are classic toppings for hot cocoa. They add a touch of sweetness and richness to the drink. You can also top your hot cocoa with grated chocolate, cinnamon, or nutmeg.
Conclusion
Hot cocoa is a delicious and comforting drink that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a few simple ingredients, you can make a hot cocoa that is both delicious and nutritious. So next time you're feeling cold or just need a pick-me-up, reach for a cup of hot cocoa. You won't be disappointed.
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