Honey-Sweetened Hot Cocoa
This honey-sweetened hot cocoa is a delightful confection for all of the senses. Perfectly sweet and beautifully frothy, every sip is a tasty treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (see note)
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (see note)
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream (optional)
Instructions
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Put milk in large mug (see note). Heat milk in microwave (in a small saucepan on the stove) for about 1 minute 30 seconds or until very hot. Since microwaves vary in power, you may to adjust the time by 30-seconds to a minute.
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Remove mug and add 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa and 1 tablespoon raw honey (more or less to taste - I use a slightly heaping tablespoon of each). Add vanilla extract and heavy cream, if using.
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Use immersion blender on low to pulse hot cocoa for 1 to 2 minutes or until frothy and honey and cocoa are dissolved (see note).
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Let cool to taste and then enjoy!
Recipe Notes
1. I use whole cow's milk but feel free to use other types of milk as you wish.
2. I've used both Dutch processed and unsweetened cocoa powder in this recipe. If you are going with dutch processed you may want to start with a scant tablespoon at first and add more if needed. It tends to have a stronger flavor.
3. The heavy whipping cream is optional, but I highly recommend it. It adds a lovely layer of froth on top that makes this hot cocoa absolutely divine.
4. I use a wide-mouth 16-ounce mug or sometimes a wide-mouth pint jar. Depending on the power of your immersion blender you may need a larger mug than I use. I've found with my mug I can pulse for a few seconds on low and the liquid will reach the top of the mug but won't usually spill unless I stop paying attention. You guess you could just use a larger mug to start with and avoid the drama of an almost spill cup of hot cocoa every time but where's the fun in that?
5. This recipe could easily be multiplied and made in a saucepan for more than 1 serving.
6. For variations you could try using different extracts (mint or coconut would be delicious).