DIY Hot Chocolate (Naturally Gluten and Nut Free)

A long, long time ago, before darling hubby and I were married, we bought a large supply of gourmet hot chocolate packets and enjoyed them on a regular basis. Now that we're older and wiser (not to mention married with a child), we realize what a nutritional and financial waste those little packets were. 


Today, we still love hot cocoa, as does our daughter. The difference is that we try to make this a healthier treat and one that allows us to gain both nutritional advantages as well as satisfies our taste buds, not to mention a treat that doesn't break the bank! The recipe below also meets our needs from an allergy perspective. Make this cocoa dairy free by substituting your favorite type of milk - almond, coconut, soy, etc. Change your cocoa up by adding peppermint syrup/extract, coconut, orange or other flavorings you like.


~Enjoy

Homemade Cocoa

• 1/2 teaspoon Hershey's Special Dark cocoa powder (unsweetened, the type made for baking)
• pinch of salt
• pinch ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp agave syrup or other natural sweetener to taste (e.g., stevia)
• 1/4 cup hot tap water
• hot milk
• 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract

Mix first 4 ingredients in the bottom of a coffee cup. Add hot tap water and stir well to combine water with other ingredients. Add vanilla and hot milk. Stir until the mixture is well combined and homogenous. Serve with cinnamon stick, marshmallows or whatever way your heart desires.