Ever since the weather has gotten cooler, the kids have been asking for hot chocolate. Mostly Rowan, and I believe this is directly related to her insatiable love for mini marshmallows. I think that if I let her, she would would add marshmallows to every dish she eats. Unfortunately for her, hot chocolate is about the only thing I will let her add them too. And especially unfortunate is that we haven't had any hot chocolate mix since last year and I have really been resisting the idea of buying the packets at the store. As with most things, I figured we could probably make a healthier, preservative free version at home...and I was right. Just for fun, before I give you the recipe for our homemade version, take a look at the ingredient list in the popular Swiss Miss brand:
SWISS MISS HOT COCOA INGREDIENTS: SUGAR, CORN SYRUP, MODIFIED WHEY, COCOA (PROCESSED WITH ALKALI), HYDROGENATED COCONUT OIL, NONFAT MILK, CALCIUM CARBONATE, LESS THAN 2% OF: SALT, DIPOTASSIUM PHOSPHATE, MONO- AND DIGLYCERIDES, ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR, CARRAGEENAN.
Hmmmmm. Two different types of sugar (one wasn't enough!) and a bunch of hard to pronounce stuff at the end. Now, for contrast, here is the ingredient list for the hot chocolate mix that we made:
Unsweetened Cocoa
Sugar
Semi-Sweet Chocolate
(Salt, but I forgot to include it in ours)
Looks like the choice is clear! Making it is just as easy as pronouncing all its ingredients:
You will need:
1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa
1 1/4 cups sugar
6 ounces semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
Directions:
In food processor, with knife blade attached, blend cocoa, sugar, chocolate, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until almost smooth. Store in tightly sealed container at room temperature up to 6 months. Makes about 3 1/2 cups.
To Make:
For each serving, in a microwave-safe mug, mix 3 tablespoons Hot Cocoa Mix with 1 cup milk. Microwave on High 1 1/2 to 2 minutes or until blended and hot, stirring once. Swirl a dollop of whipped cream on top...mmm.
We used whole raw milk, and heated it and the cocoa up in a saucepan on the stove. I whisked it frequently while it slowly heated, and the chocolate melted nicely. Don't forget the mini marshmallows, hot chocolate just wouldn't be the same without them!
Her kitty cup filled with hot chocolate brought a big smile to Rowans face, or maybe it was the marshmallows. Either way, she was one happy girl, and I am a happy mama to be able to offer her a healthier version of this favorite cold weather treat.
Side note: This mix was too chocolaty tasting for me, and I think when I make it next I will cut back on some of the semisweet chocolate. But if you really like chocolate, it may be perfect for you how it is. Give the recipe a try, and let me know what you think!
SWISS MISS HOT COCOA INGREDIENTS: SUGAR, CORN SYRUP, MODIFIED WHEY, COCOA (PROCESSED WITH ALKALI), HYDROGENATED COCONUT OIL, NONFAT MILK, CALCIUM CARBONATE, LESS THAN 2% OF: SALT, DIPOTASSIUM PHOSPHATE, MONO- AND DIGLYCERIDES, ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR, CARRAGEENAN.
Hmmmmm. Two different types of sugar (one wasn't enough!) and a bunch of hard to pronounce stuff at the end. Now, for contrast, here is the ingredient list for the hot chocolate mix that we made:
Unsweetened Cocoa
Sugar
Semi-Sweet Chocolate
(Salt, but I forgot to include it in ours)
Looks like the choice is clear! Making it is just as easy as pronouncing all its ingredients:
You will need:
1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa
1 1/4 cups sugar
6 ounces semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
Directions:
In food processor, with knife blade attached, blend cocoa, sugar, chocolate, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until almost smooth. Store in tightly sealed container at room temperature up to 6 months. Makes about 3 1/2 cups.
To Make:
For each serving, in a microwave-safe mug, mix 3 tablespoons Hot Cocoa Mix with 1 cup milk. Microwave on High 1 1/2 to 2 minutes or until blended and hot, stirring once. Swirl a dollop of whipped cream on top...mmm.
We used whole raw milk, and heated it and the cocoa up in a saucepan on the stove. I whisked it frequently while it slowly heated, and the chocolate melted nicely. Don't forget the mini marshmallows, hot chocolate just wouldn't be the same without them!
Her kitty cup filled with hot chocolate brought a big smile to Rowans face, or maybe it was the marshmallows. Either way, she was one happy girl, and I am a happy mama to be able to offer her a healthier version of this favorite cold weather treat.
Side note: This mix was too chocolaty tasting for me, and I think when I make it next I will cut back on some of the semisweet chocolate. But if you really like chocolate, it may be perfect for you how it is. Give the recipe a try, and let me know what you think!