New Year's Eve Hot Cocoa

Happy New Year!

If you are staying home tonight, like me, you might enjoy a nice cup of old-fashioned hot cocoa. I'm not a fan of the powdery packets of chocolate chemicals...I like creamy chocolate that warms me up. Cozy up to a movie and blanket tonight, and try some!

Old-Fashioned Creamy Hot Cocoa

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

¾ cup white sugar

1 pinch salt

1/3 cup boiling water

3 ½ cups milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ cup half-and-half cream

Directions

Combine the cocoa, sugar and pinch of salt in a saucepan. Blend in the boiling water. Bring this mixture to an easy boil while you stir. Simmer and stir for about two minutes. Watch that it doesn't scorch. Stir in the 3 ½ cups milk and heat until very hot, but do not boil! Remove from heat and add vanilla and cream. Divide into four mugs and add chocolate shavings and whipped cream if desired.

Traditions

“Mom, when are we doing the Christmas cookies...?”

My six year old doesn't miss a thing. Of course we will do the cookies. And the apple cider. And the artichoke dip...

Christmas is a time of traditions and many of these revolve around cuisine. There is something about oral sensory; something comforting. The familiar taste brings us back to family. My thought to you this season is to take the time and keep your food traditions, whatever they are! Do you make Gingerbread Houses? Crepes on Christmas morning? Your kids will not remember specific toys you purchase for them, but they will remember that Mom always made special hot cocoa on Christmas Eve and read stories to them. I remember my Mom made this amazing cranberry sauce; she still does.

Merry Christmas from my kitchen to yours,

Julie