A cup of homemade hot chocolate warms both body and soul, and creates lasting memories along the way.
When my oldest daughter was a teenager, I’d stay up long after her Dad went to sleep, waiting until she got home from her date or whatever else she had going on – so that I could steal a few precious moments with her. Most times, I’d have a pan of homemade hot chocolate waiting for us to share, and so that became our ritual – our late night cocoa. When her friends visited in the evenings, I’d make them cocoa too, and after a while they came to expect it – even look forward to it, often commenting over steaming cups that my hot cocoa was their favorite – that I should call their moms and tell them to “use more chocolate.” Well, a decade has passed; that daughter has married and has little ones of her own, and there is still no economy of cocoa in my home. We are, and always will be, all about the Rich and Thick and Delicious here.
So Leisha, Krista, Kirsten, Michelle B and Wayne – and everyone else who ever shared a late-night cup of hot cocoa in my kitchen – this is for you: Thank you for those moments you gave me. (Even the ones that ended with dry-ice explosions in the backyard.) I think of you every time I drink a cup of cocoa, especially on these dark, crisp Friday nights, after the boys of fall have played their games. I always will.
Mama's Homemade Hot Cocoa
Print Recipe Pin RecipeIngredients
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder (I sometimes use a little more or less - it depends on how sweet you like your cocoa)
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar (You can leave this out if you don't have it, but it makes it richer)
- 3 tablespoons nonfat dry milk
- 1 dash salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 1/2 cups milk
Instructions
- Combine ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat and stir frequently until it reaches the desired temperature. Serve with marshmallows and love.
Maggie @Maggiecooks says
October 4 atYes! I can’t wait to drink lots of hot chocolate this season! & Can’t wait to try yours! 🙂
Greetings from Mexico!
Renée ♥ says
October 4 atThanks for stopping by, Maggie! I just checked your site and pinned your flan recipe – I Looooooove making flan. I love eating it even more!! (I’ve never seen a flanera though – that’s pretty cool!)
Adventures in Dressmaking says
October 4 atSweet story. =) I remember when I learned to make homemade hot chocolate when I was in high school–I used milk, cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla–and it was soooo much better than the storebought!
I’m Paleo now so I limit my dairy and don’t eat any processed foods, but I do love a good coconut milk/chocolate pudding or sundae with some nuts, frozen blueberries, or chocolate bits, and cinnamon on top!
Things that take a little longer tend to be so much better! =)
Kaylyn says
October 4 atSuper yummy! Thanks for sharing…enjoying some now and thinking of you.
Renée ♥ says
October 4 at♥
pech says
October 4 atWhat a wonderful story to go with this! I used to love hot chocolate in Chicago winters, or in ski lodges, nor sure why I never thought of having it more often. I will have to add it into comfort rotation and try this recipe with the secret of salt out!
Kayla says
October 5 atI am in charge of a hot cocoa bar for a wedding shower and I was needing a recipe! THANKS!
Renée ♥ says
October 5 atWhat a great idea for a cold-weather wedding!! You could do all kinds of flavors too! I love that!