Homemade Hot Chocolate

You’ll need milk, real maple syrup, cocoa powder, instant decaf coffee (to intensify the chocolate flavor), dark chocolate to grate on top, instant coffee, and vanilla. You can sprinkle on some crushed peppermint candies, homemade marshmallows, star anise, whipped cream, nutmeg and cinnamon.

Mix all the ingredients in a pot and warm until steaming. Then just ladle into mugs and top with whipped cream and a little grated nutmeg, cinnamon, or a mix of the two…vanilla sugar would also be delicious.

What I love most about this hot cocoa recipe is that while it feels rich and indulgent, it’s actually not loaded with any added sugars. It uses just a touch of maple for sweetness.

Ingredients

• 4-1/2 cups milk of choice (like nut milk)

• 1/3 cup real maple syrup or powdered swerve sugar

• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 6 ounces dark chocolate, chopped (I like to use 72% dark)

• 1 vanilla bean or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• 1 tablespoon instant coffee powder, decaf for kids (or adults not wanting to stay up all night)

• 1 pinch flaky salt

• whipped cream, for serving ( i make my own with 1 cup whipping cream, half a stick of cream cheese (room temp) and 2 Tablespoons powdered swerve sugar, then blended).

• grated chocolate, nutmeg and cinnamon

helpful tool: electric frother ($15 online)

Optional: Add some kava to the batch for some great herbal magic that is traditionally saved for large gatherings, and lots of talking. It is actually great to take before an interview, presentation, or story telling moment to help the talking muscles warm up!)

Instructions

• Add the milk, maple syrup, cocoa powder, chocolate, vanilla, coffee powder, and pinch of salt to a large pot. Place the pot over medium low heat until the milk is scalding, but not boiling. Be sure to stir the pot often to make sure nothing is sticking to the bottom and burning.

• Once the hot cocoa is steaming, ladle into mugs and dollop with whipped cream. Drink and enjoy!

  Slow Cooker Instructions

• Great for large gatherings!

• Add the milk, maple syrup, cocoa powder, chocolate, vanilla, coffee powder, and pinch of salt to the bowl of your crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Switch to warm until ready to serve, up to 2 more hours. 

• Ladle into mugs and dollop with whipped cream. Drink and enjoy!