Year after year, it seems like Christmas decorations get put up earlier and earlier. I think I have seen them out at some stores as early as Halloween weekend, which I think is kind of crazy. Since I don’t really go out and try to catch the early bird shopper deals on Black Fridays, I have always taken advantage of my Thanksgiving weekend to take all of my “fall-themed” decorations down and pulled out all of my Christmas boxes. I wanted to share this very easy hot cocoa mix recipe that I have recently tried and loved. Whether you’re out and about shopping, looking for a fresh tree, watching the games on TV or in the stadiums, you may want a steaming cup of this special drink when you get home. It is chocolaty, rich, creamy, and very easy to make. I have used both low-fat and whole-milk to mix and they’re wonderful either way. They also make a great edible Christmas gifts since I have yet met someone who turns down a homemade hot cocoa mix. I am definitely whipping up several more batches for the next couple of weeks to keep and giveaway.
Ingredients
3 cups non-fat dry milk
2 cups (8 ounces) confectioners’ sugar
1-1/2 cups (4-1/2 ounces (Dutch processed cocoa)
1-1/2 cups white chocolate chips
1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions
Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl. Working in two batches, pulse the ingredients in a food processor until the hot chocolate in finely ground.
To make hot cocoa, stir 1/3 cup of this mixture into 1 cup of hot milk (I tested both skim, 2%, and whole — all were wonderful!). Top with your favorite topping (whipped cream, mini marshmallows, shaved chocolate, cinnamon, … oh the possibility!).
Adapted from The Best of American Test Kitchen 2008
I am one of those people whose always cold, even in the peak of summer… (and no, I am not a vampire!) In the colder months, I always warm up to cups and more cups of hot drinks. I usually go for my basic green-tea, but in the fall season, I usually crave for a little something special like this one. Red is usually the opposite of me, preferring something cold instead of warm, but he actually enjoyed this drink. If you love hot chocolate and anything pumpkin flavor, you should try this. And if you would like a little bit more caffeine kick, substitute the coffee granules with espresso granules!! This drink will warm up your soul! Happy Halloween!
Adapted from Group Recipes
Ingredient
1/4 tsp vanilla extract .
1 1/2 tbsps cocoa powder .
4 -1/2 c milk
1/4 tsp pumpkin spice .
2 1/2 tbsps sugar .
1/8 tsp almond extract .
2 tsps instant coffee powder
Directions
In a stove up, heat up the milk in a 2-quart sauce pan on medium low. When milk is warm, add the almond & vanilla extract. Stir.
Add the cocoa powder and whisk constantly until all of the coffee granules dissolve. Instant coffee powder and continue to whisk.
(At this point, I taste my drink and adjust some flavorings to taste. I added a couple of tablespoons of heavy cream for richness, and used Splenda instead of regular sugar).
Serve with homemade whipped cream.
Yield: 2
Veronica from Supermaket Serenade chose our first August recipe for the Barefoot Bloggers group. This Mango Banana Daiquiris was such a perfect drink for a warm August day and I was thrilled & were looking forward to try it this month. Unfortunately, neither Red nor I were very thrilled with the flavor of this drink, I don’t know why. We felt like maybe our mango wasn’t ripe enough? I’d be interested to hear what other people think!
I do must say though, the dark rum that I used in this recipe reminded me of Jamaica & that wasn’t a bad thing! Cheers!
Mango Banana Daiquiris
Serves 4
Ingredients
2 cups chopped ripe mango (1 to 2 mangos, peeled and seeded)
1 ripe banana, chopped
1/2 cup fresh squeezed lime juice (4 limes)
1/4 cup sugar syrup*
1 1/4 cups dark rum, such as Mount Gay
Mango slices, for serving
Directions
1. Place the mango, banana, lime juice, sugar syrup, and rum in a blender and process until smooth.
2. Add 2 cups of ice and process again until smooth and thick.
3. Serve ice-cold in highball glasses with the mango slices.
*To make simple syrup, heat 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan until the sugar dissolves. Chill.
