Traci's Favorite Hot Cocoa
After years of experimentation, this is my favorite hot cocoa recipe. My Great-Great Grandmother, Naomi, inspired me to add a little coffee. She was an excellent cook and often added a touch of coffee to her chocolate desserts!
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa or cacao powder
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- 3 tbsp boiling water
- 1.5 cups whole milk (or alternative)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp strong brewed coffee
- 3 tbsp cream (or alternative)
Instructions
- Put the dry ingredients (cocoa, sugar, and salt) in a saucepan, then whisk in the boiling water.
- Put the dry ingredients (cocoa, sugar, and salt) in a saucepan, then whisk in the boiling water.
- Stir in the milk, heating to very hot. Avoid boiling.
- Remove from the heat.
- Stir in the vanilla and coffee. Then, stir in the cream.
- Pour the hot cocoa into mugs.
Notes
For the best results, use a high quality cocoa powder.
There's only a touch of vanilla and coffee in this recipe because the goal is to augment the deep cocoa flavor, not make other flavors share the stage with it.
If you use lactose-free cow's milk, lower the added sugar from 3 to 2 tbsp for 2 servings.
From the kitchen of: Traci Levy
Adopted from: Allrecipe's Creamy Homemade Hot Cocoa