Despite a relatively mild winter so far, the temperature’s dropped below freezing the past couples nights where I live in North Carolina. And when it gets that cold, it’s the perfect time for homemade hot cocoa.
Over the holidays, I tried out the following three delicious real food, naturally-sweetened hot cocoa recipes:
1. The Nourishing Gourmet’s Classic Hot Cocoa
This one tasted so chocolaty that I couldn’t resist a second mug! She suggested a dairy-free version with coconut milk, but all I had on hand was almond milk, and it worked out fine.
The Purposed Heart’s hot cocoa |
2. The Purposed Heart’s Cozy Dark Hot Chocolate
This one definitely lived up to its name! The rich, dark flavor left my palate satisfied. Even Starbucks’ hot cocoa couldn’t compare. Besides the milk, the ingredients for this cocoa are all dry, so you could realistically mix up a large batch to keep on hand all winter long.
3. GNOWFGLINS’ Homemade, Real Food Hot Chocolate
This one was my favorite. I don’t know if it was the pinch of salt to cut the sweeteness or simply the combination of flavors that made me declare this one a keeper!
I think Little Girl enjoyed taste-testing these hot cocoa recipes even more than I did!
Rose
Wow with three hot chocolate samples how much milk did you go through? I am interested in trying the maple syrup as a sweetener. Thanks for three easy options. I do favor the second one for the convenience. We made some on the stovetop the other day but are always up for variety! Now we may just have some more real soon.
Erin
Haha! Well, I halved the recipes to try them. I can’t remember how much because this test was 2 years ago (this is an old post). We made the #3 one again today–and my girls loved it!!
Nicole @ Working Kansas Homemaker
HA! Love the photo of your daughter, so cute! I’m going to definitely have to try out that last recipe with the salt – very interesting. I grew up on the little packets but have had homemade before and it is always much better. Naturally sweetened is even more so. Thanks for sharing.
Erin
We made the salt version again two nights ago–so yummy! Enjoy!