At this time of year when the temperatures are falling below O, nothing quite hits the spot like a steaming cup of hot cocoa.
But the real reason I want to talk about hot cocoa is that this week I am organizing and preparing for our annual "White Christmas Party".
You may ask what is a "White Christmas Party"?
A "White Christmas Party", as we define it, is a party where we watch the movie "White Christmas" by Irving Berlin.
You may ask what is a "White Christmas Party"?
A "White Christmas Party", as we define it, is a party where we watch the movie "White Christmas" by Irving Berlin.
While we are watching the movie we eat when ever they eat (which is quite often).
When we first started this tradition, some 25 years ago, I would try to serve exactly what they ate, or as close to exactly as I could get.
I found that by the end of the evening we were all so full of, and too sick of, sweet things that we couldn't even look at the cake at the end of the movie let alone eat it.
So I have adjusted the menu to make a fun nutritious meal with between 8 and 11 courses depending on how ambitious I am feeling that year.
To make organizing this event easier, I have kept meticulous notes on what I serve "lol".
When we first started this tradition, some 25 years ago, I would try to serve exactly what they ate, or as close to exactly as I could get.
I found that by the end of the evening we were all so full of, and too sick of, sweet things that we couldn't even look at the cake at the end of the movie let alone eat it.
So I have adjusted the menu to make a fun nutritious meal with between 8 and 11 courses depending on how ambitious I am feeling that year.
To make organizing this event easier, I have kept meticulous notes on what I serve "lol".
As you can see, the need to get my records in better order is great.
And since hot cocoa is the first thing they eat, or should I say drink, that is where I am starting.
Now remember, this is the first of a number of courses, so it is important that people don't drink too much yet, and that they don't get that sick feeling that can sometimes come from drinking hot chocolate.
That is why I love this recipe that I am going to share with you. Using agave syrup ( a low glycemic sweetener) instead of sugar seems to be the trick to making hot cocoa that doesn't make you feel sick.
To make this cocoa you need; fresh milk, cocoa, agave syrup, stevia ( this is optional, it adds sweetness but it is also an immune booster, so I have been told), chili powder, vanilla and cinnamon. If you look at the picture below you will notice that I put a bottle of cumin in place of a bottle on cinnamon. Luckily I caught my mistake before I added it to the cocoa mixture.
And since hot cocoa is the first thing they eat, or should I say drink, that is where I am starting.
Now remember, this is the first of a number of courses, so it is important that people don't drink too much yet, and that they don't get that sick feeling that can sometimes come from drinking hot chocolate.
That is why I love this recipe that I am going to share with you. Using agave syrup ( a low glycemic sweetener) instead of sugar seems to be the trick to making hot cocoa that doesn't make you feel sick.
To make this cocoa you need; fresh milk, cocoa, agave syrup, stevia ( this is optional, it adds sweetness but it is also an immune booster, so I have been told), chili powder, vanilla and cinnamon. If you look at the picture below you will notice that I put a bottle of cumin in place of a bottle on cinnamon. Luckily I caught my mistake before I added it to the cocoa mixture.
Since we like to drink a lot of hot cocoa this time of year, I will sometimes replace the fresh milk with powdered milk and water. It saves me from having to run to the store every other day for more milk. I keep the powdered milk in this little container in my cupboard for convenience.
While the fresh milk or water is warming up on the stove you mix the other ingredients into a bowl.
If my cocoa is a bit clumpy I like to sift it first. This isn't necessary, but it can make stirring the ingredients together a little easier.
If my cocoa is a bit clumpy I like to sift it first. This isn't necessary, but it can make stirring the ingredients together a little easier.
If you are using powdered milk you may need to add a little fresh milk or water to your ingredients to make a paste. If you are using fresh milk the agave syrup has enough moisture to make a really nice paste.
Below, I used powdered milk and added a little fresh milk to give the added moisture needed.
Below, I used powdered milk and added a little fresh milk to give the added moisture needed.
Pour your cocoa mixture into your water or fresh milk and whisk.
I really feel that topping the cocoa with whipping cream and dusting it with cocoa or chocolate shavings is a must.
The first time I made this recipe my son told me that my hot cocoa was the best. It didn't make him sick like hot chocolate usually does.
That is just what I need for the "White Christmas Party", "Hot Cocoa" that doesn't make you feel sick.
For the party, I will have two batches of the paste made ahead of time. I will make up one batch and put it in a crock pot to keep warm and keep the other batch in the fridge just in case I need to whip up some more cocoa quickly.
What is also nice about this cocoa paste is that you can use a Tbs or two with fresh milk or water for an individual cup, warming it up in the microwave.
Hot Cocoa Recipe
That is just what I need for the "White Christmas Party", "Hot Cocoa" that doesn't make you feel sick.
For the party, I will have two batches of the paste made ahead of time. I will make up one batch and put it in a crock pot to keep warm and keep the other batch in the fridge just in case I need to whip up some more cocoa quickly.
What is also nice about this cocoa paste is that you can use a Tbs or two with fresh milk or water for an individual cup, warming it up in the microwave.
Hot Cocoa Recipe