Tuesday, January 11

Hot chocolate by the cup


I don't know what it's like in your neck of the woods, but around here, it's COLD! Even though we're in the South, it feels as if God said, "Let there be winter!" and Wow! It's winter!

Of course, life goes on, even in the cold temperatures and snow and sleet and freezing rain. But sometimes you need a little treat to help you thaw out. What could be better than hot chocolate? And by hot chocolate, I do not mean that powdered stuff they sell in little packets, or even the stuff you make yourself with powdered milk. Nope, I mean the real stuff.




It's a pain to make, though, right?  Wrong. Did you know you can make it one cup at a time, right in your microwave? Oh, yes, you can--no muss, no fuss, just steamy chocolate goodness. Here's how:

For one serving, you'll need

1 cup milk
2 Tablespoons sugar
1/2 to 1 Tablespoon cocoa
a pinch of salt

Combine these in a glass measuring cup (this is what I like to do) or right in your mug. For easy microwaving, stick something such as a wooden chopstick or skewer into your milk--breaking the liquid's surface will allow it to bubble if it gets to the boiling stage rather than boiling over. Microwave, stopping to stir once or twice, until it's as hot as you like. Remove from microwave, stir really well, and add a splash or vanilla extract and/or marshmallows if you like.

The whole process takes less than three minutes. And you've got yourself or your kids a cup of the finest cocoa you've ever drunk. Guaranteed to warm your fingers and toes AND your heart.

Note: If you're trying to cut back on sugar, microwave just the milk and the cocoa. After it's hot, add artificial sweetener to taste. Most packets contain sweetener equal to to teaspoons of sugar, so three packets of artificial sweetener should be about right. Skip the marshmallows. It's not quite as cute, but it tastes good!

I'm joining the The CSI Project for today's Winter challenge.


21 comments:

  1. This sounds perfect for a cold winter's day. I think I may just have to have a cup of this treat later today!

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  2. Yummy! I think I will go make myself a cup now. We are snowed/iced in here in NC and not sure we will get out soon. I think I have all the ingredients.

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  3. I've never tried it one cup at a time. But, I did make some for the guys Sunday night. It has been cold & nasty here too.

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  4. Okay, when I read that it has salt in it, now I have try it! That's seems weird, but who knows, it could be the best one yet!!

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  5. Thanks for sharing this! I am going to try making it!

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  6. My son has been making himself a cup of this nearly every morning! I was a little put off by the 2 Tbsp of sugar, so I had him use a little sugar and some stevia. Nothing like hot chocolate on a cold day!
    Keep warm, Richella!

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  7. I LOVE homemade hot chocolate like this! It's sooooooooo much better than the store bought kind.

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  8. OOOh, that looks good. And the recipe came just in time b/c I think we might get some snow tonight. :) Thanks for sharing...definitely looks better than the powdered stuff!

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  9. I just made some for Ren and me--it was delicious! Thanks! I never knew it was so easy!

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  10. This sounds delicious Richella. I'll have a to add a pinch of salt and cozy up to a yummy treat.

    Stay warm. We sure did get some snow didn't we. Wow! ~Melissa :)

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  11. You learn something new everyday! I didn't know the wooden skewer trick! Clever. Oh, and the splash of vanilla? Sounds divine!

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  12. I could use that right now! I can't shake this cold.

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  13. This sounds delicious! I never knew it was that easy to make. I think I may go fix a cup! :)

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  14. Hi, Richella, that is a picture perfect photo of hot chocolate. Now you're making me want some! Thank you for that very sweet comment. Made my day! xoxo

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  15. I could go for a nice up of that right now...brrr...here in the Carolinas. 3 days of being housebound..I am over it.

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  16. I HAVE to try this and add the splenda. I just bought some packet cocoa for Kristen and have been boiling my kettle ready to make her a cup when she gets off the school bus, it's that cold here (no snow, but only in the 40's!)
    I don't usually have any cos of the sugar and watching my cals, so I want to try this. I'll be able to share a cup with her tomorrow :)
    hugs
    Den

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  17. yum!
    a few winters ago cam & i made cocoa like that every morning :)

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  18. I'm all about something that's quick and easy - and you can't go wrong with hot chocolate this time of year....very yum :)

    Thanks for sharing!

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  19. YUM! I will definitely try this. Sorry Swiss Miss ...

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