Whiteley Creek Homestead

When Dick and I stopped by Caribou Coffee for a hot chocolate recently, I tucked the napkin into my backpack… the messages imprinted on it were worth revisiting again.

 
I ran across the napkin this afternoon, which reminded me of the hot chocolate we had shared. The drizzly, chilly (49 degree high) day begs for a cup of hot chocolate. I pulled out a simple recipe that I have made many times. It is equally good with or without the cinnamon stick, but it does add a nice subtle flavor. Since I had a stick on hand today, I tossed it in. Life is short. Slow down to feel the warmth of your fingers wrapped around a mug of hot chocolate… savor each sip.

Vanilla Hot Chocolate

1 cup milk

1 cinnamon stick

2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder (kind used for baking)

2 tsp sugar

2 tsp water

¼ tsp vanilla

¼ tsp dark chocolate, 72% cacao, shaved

In a small saucepan, heat the milk and cinnamon stick together over low heat until scalding hot (little bubbles are forming around the edge of the pan), about 4 minutes. While the milk is warming, mix together the cocoa and sugar in a small bowl. Add the water and stir until combined. Remove the cinnamon stick from the milk, add the chocolate mixture and vanilla to the milk, and whisk until slightly frothy. Pour the hot chocolate into a mug, top with chocolate shavings, and enjoy. Serving size: 1 cup.