The Simplest Homemade Hot Chocolate You’ll Ever Make!
Since BEFORE my kids were on winter break, they have been begging me to make hot cocoa. It didn’t help that one of my children’s teacher gave them a very cute to-go cup full of marshmallows, a hot cocoa packet, and a candy cane as a parting gift. Only problem is…that was just for one child. I needed servings for five more! Instead of trying to sift through the many (unnecessary) ingredients on the back of a limited amount of cocoa powder options at my closest grocery store, I decided to go back to the basics: a simple chocolate bar.
I am not sure why when I think of hot chocolate/cocoa, I immediately think of the power in a tub or individual Swiss Miss packets with itty bitty marshmallows inside. Maybe I had a change of heart after hearing about Mexican hot chocolate a handful of times within the last few weeks. Whatever it was, I’m glad it hit a nerve because this recipe will serve as the base for many “Mommy, please can we have some hot chocolate!!” days that are sure to come. Thankfully I was able to make this soul warming drink on one of the two cold days in New Orleans. We truly play Russian Roulette when dealing with the weather here.
To make the simplest homemade hot chocolate ever made, you’ll only need two ingredients:
1. a chocolate bar of your choice (I chose this dark chocolate one based off store options)
2. milk or water
That’s it.
First, heat the milk or water in a pan on low. The amount depends on your serving size.
Second, I made chocolate shavings with a cheese shredder right over the pot. Some bigger pieces fell in and seemed to melt fairly quickly so I began to break off small chunks and continued to stir.
If you’re using milk, be sure not to let it boil.
I also had some sweet cream flavored creamer on hand so I added a little bit of that to the mix. We made gingerbread houses earlier in the day which gave way to leftover sprinkles, marshmallows, and white chocolate chips. Sweet memories were made!
Side Note: A little bit after our hot chocolate day, I did stumble upon this Target brand of powdered cocoa with just one ingredient listed: cocoa. Although Target is out of my way when needing ingredients on short notice, I am glad to know where to get it for the future.
Do you have any simple family favorite winter drinks? Let us know in the comments!
