Winter and Spring are always duking it out this time of year, aren't they? It was nearly 70 degrees just two days ago and now it is cold and windy. So, I'm still keeping the cabinet stocked with hot chocolate mix because...well...do I really need a reason? Didn't think so. This Spiced Hot Chocolate is my favorite, so I like to make a big batch of the dry mix to spice things up (see what I did there?) and it never fails to warm us up from the inside out!
I remember playing outside in Minnesota as a kid. I'd play and play and build snowmen and forts with my sister until I couldn't feel my face. Then, we would go inside and take off our snow packed boots and soaking wet scarves and hats before sitting down to a warm mug of hot chocolate that my mom would make for us. There was nothing like that steam hitting my cold face and that first sip going down my throat, thawing me out. That feeling of hot and cold is so clear in my memory.
Now, I'm the mom making hot chocolate for my children. I don't often let a snow day go by without giving everyone in the family at least one mug of hot chocolate. And I don't feel bad about it. Not one little bit.
If you're a hot chocolate lover, this Spiced Hot Chocolate Mix is a must! You can control the amount of sugar (there is almost ALWAYS too much in the stuff I buy at the store) and you can choose how much spice you want. I like mine spicy, but my kids don't. So, I add more cayenne or chili powder to my hot chocolate later.
I hope you make this for yourself and for someone you love on one of these cold, not-winter-but-not-quite-spring days. Breathe it in. Enjoy it. Share it.
Spiced Hot Chocolate Mix
Makes about 2 1/3 cups dry mix
Takes 5 minutes to prepare
2 cups cocoa powder (I use a high fat version from Penzy's)
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust based on your family's preferences)
pinch of salt
Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl using a whisk. Store in an airtight container.
When you want to make your hot chocolate, heat 1 cup of milk slowly over a medium flame. Add 1-2 tablespoons of the hot chocolate mix and whisk well. Pour into a mug and enjoy!
*notes:
I like to add collagen peptides to my hot chocolate. Just add a scoop to your blender, pour in your prepared hot chocolate, and give it a buzz. You can also use an immersion blender, whisk, or handheld milk frother.
Use whatever milk you like! I love to use unsweetened cashew milk.