Although we’ve been waiting anxiously for a significant snow storm this winter (and are more than a little jealous of our neighbors to the north who got a real live blizzard last week!), we have been lucky enough to get a few snow showers since Christmas, and this hot chocolate has become one of our favorite “snow day” treats!
It comes together quickly on the stove, and while sugar is sugar, I feel better about serving this homemade treat (with whole milk, fair-trade cocoa and just a few additional ingredients) to my girls than the stuff that comes in little packets. And it’s a whole lot cheaper too!
Easy Homemade Hot Chocolate
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2/3 cup white sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- 1/3 cup water
- 3 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
Combine cocoa powder, sugar, salt and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Let simmer for 1-2 minutes, stirring often.
Add milk and cream and continue heating over medium-low until hot.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Makes 4 servings.
Variations:
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or (my favorite) cayenne pepper for a little spice.
- Use almond or peppermint extract instead of vanilla.
- Top with whipped cream.
