Heather loves to get in the kitchen with her kids, and she wants you in the kitchen with your kids too! Kids in the Kitchen with Girl in the Kitchen shares tips, recipes, and ideas to get you and your kids cooking together.
Kids in the Kitchen
Okay, I know, I know.
We are totally supposed to be doing that healthy thing now, right? It’s resolution time, and everyone has sworn off something like, well…like hot cocoa, and here I am declaring that there is a recipe out there that is the absolute best.
Completely unfair to resolutions everywhere.
But necessary…completely necessary.
Let’s think logically about this.
It hasn’t snowed at all. Not a drop almost all of November and December. Then, it is time for the kids to go back to school, and voila! Snow. Just in time to force us, parents, to make sure all of our kids have their boots, snow pants, mittens for school, and hope (fingers crossed every.day.) they don’t come home missing a glove.
I mean…really?
When I imagine what could have been…many glorious days over break sledding and enjoying tired kids. Why are they tired? Well because they have been able to get all their energy out on the sledding hill, building snowmen, snowball fights, and fort building. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case because we had no snow at all. Only now, when it is difficult, and messy, and makes everything more challenging, the white powder comes down like no tomorrow.
Oh wow. Were we talking about hot cocoa? Sorry. Back to that.
So…now that there is some snow, the kids will want to play in it. When the kids play in it, they will get cold. When they get cold, they will want some hot cocoa. When they want hot cocoa, you will have the absolute best recipe on hand to make for them. (Anyone with a child born in this decade would realize I was channeling the “When You Give A Moose a Muffin.” If you didn’t realize, you need to read them! They are hilarious!)
How do I keep digressing so much from a simple pleasure like hot cocoa?
Best Homemade Hot Cocoa Recipe
This recipe is a keeper. It is easy and not filled with a lot of the non-food type items some of those packaged hot cocoa mixes have. Not that we all don’t need those in a pinch, but this recipe is easy and can be refrigerated for a while to have on hand and tastes so much better than any premixed hot cocoa. It is easy too! I promise! It takes a little time, but it is so worth it.
Still not convinced? When the kids go to bed, pour yourself a cup. Very quietly, add a little Godiva liquor, vodka and Bailey’s to it. You will not be disappointed. But shhh…you did not hear this from me. This is a KIDS in the kitchen post, remember.
The BEST Hot Cocoa Recipe
Makes 4 servings or 6 smaller servings
- 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate
- 1 cup of low-fat milk
- 1 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp of good quality cocoa powder
- 1/2 tbsp vanilla
Combine chocolate, milk, cream, and sugar in a saucepan. Heat over low heat and whisk until smooth and creamy and thoroughly combined. Stir in cocoa powder. Continue heating over low heat until sugar is completely dissolved and temperature is to your liking. DO NOT boil. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla. Serve immediately with whipped cream, sprinkles, and anything else you would like (*see above note for adults only!). To save leftovers, store in a mason jar or similar container with a lid in the fridge for up to one week. The hot cocoa mixture will separate, so shake before re-heating.
What is your favorite cold weather drink?
By: Heather Williams
Mundelein
Heather is a busy mom of three who loves exploring Lake County with her kids. When she, her husband, and kids are not embarking on new adventures, you will most likely find her cooking and posting some great family-friendly recipes at Girl and Her Kitchen.
Heather, this recipe sounds like the BOMB!! Our family is BIG on hot cocoa, so thank you : )