Warm Me Up

Crikey, it’s cold out there. I don’t know if the cold makes me hungry, but it certainly makes me eat. Maybe it’s that humans are hard-wired to instinctively pack on the blubber when the mercury drops, or maybe it’s just that, when nights are spent huddled under a blanket on the couch, one naturally wants something hot, steamy and delicious in hand.

And since my husband is working late, I’ll settle for cocoa.

Whether you make it on the stove, in the slow cooker or hell, even out of a can, nothing beats a big mug of hot chocolate on a cold, Canadian night. Or day. Either one. Pass the marshmallows, would ya?

A few guidelines for stirring up the perfect cup:

1) Start with good ingredients. Organic dairy is a must for me, and for the love of all that is shade-grown, make an effort to use fair-trade, organic cocoa or hot chocolate mix.Cocoa Camino  is my go-to for all things cocoa bean, and can be readily found at a well-stocked grocery store or natural foods store.

2) Don’t go crazy on the sugar. Part of the reason I prefer homemade to pre-mixed is that I can control the amount of sugar going in. Not only is the amount of sugar typically added to a mix waaaaaaay over the top and unhealthy, but it also masks the true taste of a good cup of cocoa.

3) Don’t rush it. If you are cooking it on the stovetop, it only takes 5 minutes, so reject the instinct to rush the process – you’ll end up with a bitter, watery and possibly burnt drink. Nobody wants that.

4) Be creative – spice it up with a pinch or two of cinnamon, nutmeg or chili powder; sub coconut milk for half of the dairy; add a tiny splash of pure vanilla extrtact or try this: steep a mint teabag in the hot chocolate for a few minutes for a really yummy signature drink. (conversely, you can prepare a cup of mint tea and add a tablespoon of hot chocolate mix to the tea.)

5) For a non-dairy or vegan version, simply exchange the milk or cream for soy or rice milk, and use a recipe calling for cocoa powder (make sure it is vegan), not chocolate. Omit marshmallows.

6) For the little ones, cool it down with some extra (cold) milk added to their mug.

7) For the big ones, heat it up a little more with a splash (or two) of Bailey’s added to their mug.

8) Give yourself a chocolate facial in that lovely hot steam before digging in, then pray for spring and enjoy.

Classic Hot Chocolate

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Satisfies: 4 Cold Canadians

• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• ½ cup sugar
• pinch of salt
• 1/3 cup boiling water
• 3 ½ cups milk
• ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
• Cream (18% or 35% depending on how fat you want to get this winter)
• cinnamon stick
• chocolate shavings
• marshmallows

Combine cocoa, sugar and salt in saucepan.

Blend in the boiling water, and bring to a boil over med. heat, stirring constantly. Simmer for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.

Stir in milk and allow mixture to heat through thoroughly, but do not boil.

Remove from heat and add vanilla.

Divide between 4 large mugs, leaving some room at the top.

Finish off with a generous amount of cream, plus whatever extras float your boat. My kid prefers just marshmallows.

*SoundBITE*

Chocolate has a bittersweet legacy. Over-sprayed, over-produced, under-priced and exploited, the chocolate industry is a nasty one, once you look beyond the pretty wrappers. For some great information on the subject, look here, and keep it in mind as we creep up on that most commercial of chocolate-eating excuses, Valentine’s Day.

Comments

[katie ~ motherbumper]

I want to do this up in the bathtub and sink into it. Is that so wrong? Unhygienic, yes but wrong? I think not ;)

[kgirl]

It's fine, as long as you are not alone. a hot chocolate bath is definitley best enjoyed with a friend ;)

[inpatient rehab]

Good morning. It's never just a game when you're winning.
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Thank you very much :-(. Barbara.