Loco for Cocoa

By Julie Senger

As the unpredictable Georgia temperatures seemingly go from Summer Nights to Baby, Its Cold Outside with little warning, here are some hot, smooth, chocolaty (or not-so-chocolaty) cocoa recipes for you to try with your family and friends this winter season. So, stock up on firewood, and grab some blankets to cozy up with one or more of these comforting concoctions. You are bound to be crazy about one or more of these recipes!

Traditional Hot Cocoa (serves 4)

Ingredients
cup cocoa powder
cup sugar
teaspoon salt
cup water
3 cups whole milk
cup evaporated milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Whipped cream or marshmallows (optional)

Preparation
1. In a saucepan over medium heat, add cocoa, sugar, salt and water, and bring to boil.
2. Allow the mixture to boil for 3 minutes.
3. Add the whole milk and the evaporated milk, and continue stirring.
4. Allow the mixture to come to a simmer, careful not to let it come to a boil.
5. Pour into your favorite mugs, and add whipped cream or marshmallows, if desired.

White Christmas Cocoa (serves 3-4)

Ingredients
4 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
teaspoon cinnamon
8 oz. white chocolate, chopped
Whipped cream or marshmallows (optional)

Preparation
1. In a saucepan over medium-low heat, add the milk, white chocolate, cinnamon and vanilla.
2. Stir occasionally until the mixture comes to a simmer, careful not to let it come to a boil.
3. Pour the mixture into your favorite mugs, and add whipped cream or marshmallows, if desired.

New Years Resolution Cocoa (serves 2; 35 calories per serving, vegan, gluten and sugar-free)

Ingredients
2 cups unsweetened cashew or almond milk
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
12 drops Stevia, or to taste (you may substitute your favorite zero-calorie sweetener)

Preparation
1. In a saucepan over medium-low heat, add all the ingredients, and whisk until the cocoa powder is mostly incorporated.
2. Continue whisking frequently for 3-5 minutes or until warmed through.
3. Pour the mixture into your favorite mugs, and enjoy, guilt-free!

New Years Eve Wine-O-Cocoa (serves 2, over-21 cocoa lovers)

Ingredients
1 cups whole milk
1 cup of your favorite red wine cup dark chocolate chunks
Marshmallows or whipped cream (optional)

Preparation
1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk and chocolate, whisking until the chocolate is melted.
2. Add the wine, and stir until its hot.
3. Pour the mixture into your favorite mugs, and top with marshmallows or whipped cream, if desired.

Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cocoa (serves 1)

Ingredients
1 cup whole milk
cup half and half
cup milk chocolate chips
1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
Whipped cream or marshmallows (optional)

Preparation
1. In a saucepan over medium-low heat, add the milk and half and half and bring to a simmer, careful not to let it come to a boil.
2. Add chocolate, stirring until it melts.
3. Add peanut butter, and stir until just melted.
4. Pour into your favorite mug, and top with marshmallows or whipped cream, if desired.

Nutella Crock-Pot Cocoa for a Crowd (serves 10)

Ingredients
10 cups whole milk
1 cup Hersheys cocoa
1 cup Nutella
1 cup sugar
2 cups hot water

Preparation
1. In a large pot, combine cocoa, sugar, Nutella and hot water.
2. Stir the mixture, and bring it to gentle boil.
3. Transfer the mixture to a crockpot; add the milk, and stir well.
4. Cook on high for 2 hours, or low for 4 hours, until hot.
5. Pour the mixture into your favorite mugs, and top with marshmallows or whipped cream, if desired.

Mexican Hot Chocolate (serves 2)

Ingredients
2, 3.5 oz. bars high quality, bittersweet chocolate
2 cinnamon sticks
cup water
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
tsp chili powder (optional)
tablespoon light brown sugar (optional)
Pinch of nutmeg
Whipped cream (optional)

Preparation
1. In a saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the chocolate with the water and cinnamon sticks.
2. Once the chocolate is melted, add the milk, heavy cream, chili powder and sugar (if using) and the nutmeg. Stir until everything is blended, and bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Once it boils, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it simmer until it thickens a bit (about 5 minutes).
4. Remove the cinnamon sticks and pour the mixture into your favorite mugs, and add whipped cream, if desired.