Hot Cocoa Recipe – Ready in Just 5 Minutes: Made-at-home Hot Cocoa recipe will not only make you happy, but it will also keep you warm. You’ll be shocked at how simple it is to make hot chocolate at home. Most people like warm, cozy foods on cold days, like Butternut Squash Soup or Jambalaya. One of my favorite ways to enjoy the season is with a hot drink, like hot cocoa.
Hot Cocoa vs. Hot Chocolate: Don’t be fooled
As far as most people are concerned, hot cocoa and hot chocolate are the same thing. The main difference between the two is the type of chocolate used. In the past, cocoa powder was used to make hot cocoa and melted chocolate was used to make hot chocolate.
If you see hot chocolate at the store again, check to see what’s in it. Most likely, you’re getting hot cocoa, even if the name doesn’t make it sound like it. It’s not melted chocolate that Swiss Miss, Nestlé, and Ghirardelli are selling. What they’re really selling is hot cocoa, which is made of sugar, cocoa powder, and milk. You’ll also find a lot of other strange items, and you’ll be glad you took the ten minutes to make it yourself!
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup boiling water
- dash of salt
- 3 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup half and half (or evaporated milk)
- 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Cocoa and sugar should be mixed together in a pot and heated over medium-low heat.
- To the water that is already boiling, add a pinch of salt. Maintain a steady stirring motion as the mixture is brought to a low boil.
- After it has reached a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer and stir it constantly for two minutes.
- Mix in the milk, then heat it until it is really hot but not boiling!
- Taking the pan off the heat, add the vanilla. Assemble in four separate cups.
- Add the half-and-half to the cups of cocoa in order to bring the temperature down to a more drinkable level.
- Should you so want, garnish with whipped cream!
Notes
- Instructions for Making Ahead: Although this recipe is best prepared fresh (it may be done in a very short amount of time), hot cocoa can be prepared two to three days in advance. It is important to avoid boiling hot chocolate since doing so will cause the half and half to separate. Instead, reheat the cocoa slowly on the burner.
- The instructions for storage state that hot chocolate can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days if it is covered. Take care not to bring the water to a boil.