CAUTION: The following recipe is not exactly healthy, instead, it is decadent, delicious, and certifiably sinful (and that's putting it lightly). I adore hot chocolate any time of the year. I don't really drink any milk (by itself), so I tell myself that hot chocolate is a good source of calcium and a great alternative to overly fattening desserts (which I do thoroughly enjoy... occasionally...or more often than that).
I've grown tired of the hot chocolate packets because, despite my best efforts, I can't get them to "declump"... not in milk, water, after stirring, shaking, grrrr. So, I decided to make my own hot chocolate and solve the problem. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I will never, ever have a powdered mix again...how did I even drink one in the first place? It was, in one word ...beautiful... and it can hold it's own against any dessert. I found a delicious recipe on allrecipes.com by Jeanie Bean. I simply altered some of the ingredients (made it with less sugar, no half and half, and only used skim - so it qualifies as "healthy", right??) and added my own flavors (caramel and cinnamon). I'm in love... it is rich, dark chocolate with a perfect paring of cinnamon and caramel. This will definitely give you yummy dreams!
Caramel and Cinnamon Hot Chocolate
1/3 c. unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 c. organic white sugar (you can probably even half this and it would still be delish!)
a pinch of salt
1/3 c. boiling water
3 1/2 c. cold skim milk
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tbsp. caramel sauce
whipped cream
Serves 4
1. Mix cocoa, sugar, and salt in a sauce pan.
2. Add already boiling water to the sauce pan and stir.
3. Heat until mixture boils, stir constantly.
 |
| It's boiling! |
4. Turn the heat down and allow mixture to simmer for about 2 minutes.
5. Slowly add milk and continue to heat (but do not let it boil).
6. Stir in cinnamon and caramel.
 |
| After adding cinnamon and caramel |
7. Pour and enjoy!
I plan to try peppermint oil next time instead of cinnamon and caramel. The possibilities are endless... I love it!
I also shared this recipe with:
http://sweetsav.blogspot.com/2011/10/my-meatless-mondays
http://kbandwhitesnakeshome.blogspot.com/2011/10/simply-delish.html
http://www.makeaheadmealsforbusymoms.com/category/blog-hop/
http://www.titus2atthewell.com/tempt-my-tummy-tuesday-how-do-you-bake-your-bread/#comment-49016
and the other "cute" buttons on the side bar!
I saved this to try later. It looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteI love hot chocolate too!! If you have a chance, come by & link up at Makin' You Crave Monday over at MrsHappyHomemaker.com!
ReplyDeleteMy goodness that sounds amazing!! Miriam@Meatless Meals For Meat Eaters
ReplyDeleteWow! Awesome!
ReplyDeleteYum, thanks for sharing with Simply Delish.
ReplyDeleteLooks wonderful Kim! Are you serving this Friday at the parade? =)
ReplyDeleteThis makes my powdered hot chocolate look like little packages of sugary dirt. I think it's time for me to switch up my cocoa tactics...
ReplyDeleteThis looks super yummy, And I will definitely be trying it. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWow this sounds soo delicious and perfect for Fall! Love your blog, so glad to be a new follower! xoxo
ReplyDeleteLooks delicious. What a great recipe. Can;t wait to try it.
ReplyDeletereally really really want to make this now!!!
ReplyDeleteOh yes! This sounds so very yummy! Little Mommy, I think we may be sisters separated by birth. =) Thanks for linking up on Recipes I Can't Wait to Try!
ReplyDeleteAre you kidding? That hot chocolate looks delicious. I "pinned" it and "stumbled" it and wished I could have a sip. Thanks for sharing it on Tuesday's Tasty Tidbits.
ReplyDeleteI will definitely try this when it's a bit cooler here! Looks and sounds delish ~ very much like Starbuck's new drink. Just add some coarse salt on top and I think you'd have it!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to find your blog...will look around for more great recipes. Stop by ~ I have a giveaway going on.
Pat
Wow, this looks so yummy! I saw it on These Chicks... I am totally with you, no milk drinking here either but I love all dairy products. This is a perfect source of calcium and sugar and chocolate, 3 of the major food groups!
ReplyDeleteWow! That looks so delicious. It makes me wish the temperatures would drop drastically in Florida! Maybe an iced version....
ReplyDeleteI had your Hot Chocolate this morning while I was sitting on my back porch, it was awesome! Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful recipe with Full Plate Thursday. Hope you have a great week end and come back soon!
ReplyDeleteMiz Helen
I had completed the choices for features at My Meatless Mondays but my eyes kept going back to this hot chocolate. It has tempted me since you linked it. I decided, an additional feature could only be good and this must be delicious. Thanks for sharing it with us.
ReplyDeleteThat looks so, so good! I love hot chocolate, and I'm sure that would be the best!!!
ReplyDeleteThat really looks great!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds so delicious! I'll be bookmarking it to try with my kids.
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome..yummmy.... Officially following ya from http://theartsygirlconnection.blogspot.. I'm Marilyn & Hope you can stop in sometime.. Off to indulge in all your creative explosion here.. : ))
ReplyDeleteSaw this on At Home With Haley, and it sounds amazing!! Totally pinning this! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!
ReplyDeleteYour recipe is featured on Full Plate Thursday this week. Hope you are having a great week and enjoy your new Red Plate!
Come Back Soon,
Miz Helen
Hi there, thanks for sharing that delicious recipe. It will come in very handy now that the weather is turning colder. I found and am now following you through Show And Tell Friday, and will visit often. Please stop by my blog and perhaps you would like to follow me also. Have a wonderful day. Hugs, Chris
ReplyDeleteThis looks amazing!! I'm going to try it soon! :)
ReplyDelete